sewer smell

[Neracoal]

i am new to rv's. the family and i took our first trip where we have used the bathroom toilet.

Everything went well untill we left the site today.

once we got under way to head for home the smell comeing from the tank was like being in a outhouse.

we didnt empty the tank because everything i read says to wait till at least half full. We only had 1/4 full at the time.

Anyways after getting home i just added water right to the tank anxd went to a local rv dealer to dump the tank?

Is the smell normal when driving if it doesnt get emptied?

Neil

[wbwood]

Is the rv brand new or used? If used, could be a lingering issue from previous owner that got stirred up with your usage. Otherwise, make sure you use lots of water, especially with solids and toilet paper. We use TST deodorizer that you can buy at Walmart. It's by thetford I believe. Does it work? Don't know as we haven't had any smelly trouble. Been using it over 3 years. Hate to break the cycle and have a problem. Lol.

[Neracoal]

Guess i will call it lesson learned......i will get empty it everytime for now on. Thanks.

[gcloss]

1/4, 1/3, 1/2 or 3/4 .... I always dump and flush before I leave the CG no matter what level the black tank is at. We were camping for 5 days this weekend with temps in the 90's. I dumped everyday because of the heat and added lots of water each time.

[Goostoff]

Why on earth didnt you just add water to the black tank before you left, and dumnp at the park? I always empty my fresh tank by flushing it all down the toilet. This gives me plenty of water to dump.

[Francesca_Knowl]

I think that sometimes when moving the gases can get sucked back into the rig...but here's something others may know that I only just learned recently:

Some RV toilets have an "overflow port" under the rim of the toilet. (In case the bowl fills up with water somehow.) Anyway, that hole has a "j-trap" that prevents sewer gases from rising back into the rig- but if there's no water in it, there's no seal.

Supposedly, if that trap "sloshes empty" when underway, you'll get the smell in the rig.

Might be a long shot, but maybe worth checking out...especially if the smell was stronger back by the john.