Forum Discussion

marcarolle's avatar
marcarolle
Explorer
Jul 09, 2018

URGENT HELP NEEDED - MAJOR SMELL FROM BATHROOM

This is our 15th night this season. First time happening:

Strong odour (you know which one) from the bathroom - for the last 2 hours.

We did nothing different today. This is our 2nd season with this TT. Prior to that, 4 seasons in an hybrid.

Wife says the bad smell comes from bad seal/gasket.

I said I would check on the forum; maybe you guys can come up with a number of reasons why it started smelling tonight. I wish I could tell you a bit more; but really, we use bathroom for #1s and #2s. If we need to use more toilet paper, we dispose of it in a garbage bag. We're camping with water/electric. No sewer. We arrived Saturday at 1 p.m. Now it's Sunday 11h45 p.m. We know it's not full.

Can you guys direct to what you think could be reasons for this strong bad smell?

Thanks

Marc
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Jul 09, 2018
    1. bad AAV
    2. toilet not holding water after flush
    3. sink or shower trap empty
    4. bad seal between toilet and floor
    5. blocked/dropped holding tank vent

    (Over the past 10 years, I have personally had all except #2, pun, pun, and #3)

    Be sure to check these for the gray tank too. It smells just as bad as the black tank.

    If the plumbing system is working as designed, no "deodorizers" are needed. No plumbing smells will get into the RV (except when you open the toilet's seal to flush it with the exhaust fan running). If the plumbing system is NOT working as designed, no "deodorizers" will work.
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2018
    I had something similar once and it finally went away after I filled the tank completely with water and chemicals and let it sit for a week. I figured something got stuck to the side of the tank.
  • Happytraveler's avatar
    Happytraveler
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2018
    We have been using Aqua-Kem Deodorant blue cap bottles for 20 years or more. We flush with regular toilet paper and turn on the fan as needed. If it's hot outside we don't go chintzy adding extra bottles to the tank.So far no problems.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2018
    Sometimes I need a reminder why I went the hideously expensive marine toilet route. Other than avoiding having my knees jab me in the chin this thread is an excellent reminder. May I wish you the best of luck solving your problem...
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2018
    maillemaker wrote:
    What is an "AAV"?

    Steve

    An Air Admittance Valve is necessary under the cabinet holding a sink unless that sink's drain line is connected to the roof vent. Without some kind of air admittance vent, the suction of the water going down the drain would pull all of the water out of the sink's trap, allowing sewer odors to come up. The AAV breaks that suction. It is a one way valve, allowing air to go into the drain line, but not allowing air (odors) to come back out. If the AAV fails open, it allows air (odors) to come out. If the AAV fails closed, it sucks the water out of the sink's trap allowing air (odors) to come out. The solution for either condition is to replace the AAV. It is cheap and easy. It costs less than $10 at a big box hardware store, and just screws on.
  • 12thgenusa's avatar
    12thgenusa
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2018
    SoundGuy wrote:
    The only time the grey / black tanks should be completely empty is when you winterize, otherwise never. Once you've dumped & flushed either you want to add a minimum 10% capacity of the tank with fresh water and tank chem of your preference which you'll then start your next camping trip with.

    Meh

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,189 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025