We follow all the guidelines; dump when at least half full, dump the black water first and flush for 5 minutes, then the grey water, and then add the chemicals. Still within a short time, we have that dang odor again. Any ideas? Do those after market newer sewer vents (Cyclone Sewer Vents, etc.) really work and if so, any recommendations? Mind you, the odor isn't terrible, but something we would like to do without.

If you keep some water in the toilet bowl it should seal out any gasses. If you're still getting odor you may have a leak somewhere where the odor is leaking in. I also pour my leftover coffee into the black tank, not the grounds just the coffee. Coffee is great at absorbing odors.

Check your vent pipe..it might be plugged.

I read recently about someone that their drain pipe or vent pipe wasn't sealed where it went into the tank. Unfortunately, the way they found out was to fill the tank up and it leaked. Could you rig up an air hose down the vent perhaps and see if you get a burst of gasses in the rig? Maybe use a balloon full of air so there is a finite amount and no risk.You could also use a small tire pumped up to provide the air. Using Boyle Law, a tire at 14.7 PSI contains the original volume of air, plus one more. At 29.4 PSI the air volume is 29.4/14.7 which is two, plus the original makes three. Remember though, at 29.4 PSI you will get only two volumes out, because the original will stay in under no pressure to release.

Assuming your tank was somewhat clean when you started, you shouldn't have any odor unless something is wrong with your system. Make sure it's the black tank and not the grey...often they will emit a similar smell. Ensure all "P" traps have water in them, including the one for the W/D. Check the vent pipe from the black and the grey tank to ensure they are clear.....Dennis

Check the air admittance vent valve under the sink. It screws onto a PVC stub and has a rubber check valve in it that can get brittle with age and fail to seal properly. Replacements are only a few dollars at most home improvement/hardware stores. The black and grey tanks usually share a single vent, so the smell could be coming from either one. Yes, grey tanks can smell as bad, if not worse, than the black tank.

How to Get the Stink Out of Bathroom | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
I read recently about someone that their drain pipe or vent pipe wasn't sealed where it went into the tank. Unfortunately, the way they found out was to fill the tank up and it leaked.

Could you rig up an air hose down the vent perhaps and see if you get a burst of gasses in the rig? Maybe use a balloon full of air so there is a finite amount and no risk.

You could also use a small tire pumped up to provide the air. Using Boyle Law, a tire at 14.7 PSI contains the original volume of air, plus one more. At 29.4 PSI the air volume is 29.4/14.7 which is two, plus the original makes three. Remember though, at 29.4 PSI you will get only two volumes out, because the original will stay in under no pressure to release.
downtheroad
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
Check your vent pipe..it might be plugged.
Fixed_Sight_Tra
Explorer
Mar 26, 2015
If you keep some water in the toilet bowl it should seal out any gasses. If you're still getting odor you may have a leak somewhere where the odor is leaking in.

I also pour my leftover coffee into the black tank, not the grounds just the coffee. Coffee is great at absorbing odors.

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How to Get the Stink Out of Bathroom

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