Grey tank oders

[D and J]

I have searched this, and many other online forums, and I can find a thousand posts about black tank problems, but nothing about grey tanks problems (or fixes!)

We have a bit of a sulpher dioxide smell coming from our grey tank. (most noticeable in the shower, but can be smelled in other areas)

In all of our rv's (this is our third, second 5th wheel) we have never had bad smells from our grey tanks.

Has this happened to anyone else?? and what is the best way to get rid of the smell?? (clean out the grey tank)

We don't normally add chemicals to either tanks, just a little Calgon to the black tank.

Two years ago, we needed to bleach the hot water heater, but we are sure the fresh water is not the source of this oder this time.

[D and J]

I have searched this, and many other online forums, and I can find a thousand posts about black tank problems, but nothing about grey tanks problems (or fixes!)

We have a bit of a sulpher dioxide smell coming from our grey tank. (most noticeable in the shower, but can be smelled in other areas)

In all of our rv's (this is our third, second 5th wheel) we have never had bad smells from our grey tanks.

Has this happened to anyone else?? and what is the best way to get rid of the smell?? (clean out the grey tank)

We don't normally add chemicals to either tanks, just a little Calgon to the black tank.

Two years ago, we needed to bleach the hot water heater, but we are sure the fresh water is not the source of this oder this time.

[UFO Pilot]

I use this product:

TST Grey Water Odor Control
"Keep your grey water tank smelling fresh."

It seems to work quite well.

[cwg]

At some of the seminars I have attended in the past, it is explained that grey tanks can have as much odor as the black tanks ... small food particles, etc. can accumulate in the traps and tank causing a foul smell.

Other than the grey water tank chemicals which may be added to the drains, many owners have had great success with the rotating vent products which mount on the top of the pipe exiting on the roof. A venturi effect from breezes or travel down the road keep the odors from accumulating in the tank. The permanent metal vane types are warranted for life and the bearings are sealed. Nice product.

[ChiefJohn]

I second the rotating vents mentioned by "cwg". We had a similar problem and had PI install the rotating vents on the gray and black exhaust during our last visit. No problems with odors since then.

[LindaH]

Somewhere in the rig, there should be a short vent pipe that doesn't go anywhere...usually this is located under the bathroom sink. The cap on it sometimes fails and needs to be replaced.

You might also try adding equal parts baking soda and white vinegar down all the drains...baking soda first followed by the vinegar. Depending on how bad the problem is, you may need to do this a second time. Then do it about once a month.

Finally, if you don't already have them, I highly recommend getting stainless steel mesh sink drain traps like these. Use them in both the kitchen sinks and in the shower. Even with wiping the dishes before I wash them, you'd be surprised at how much "gunk" they trap. And the one in the shower traps lots of hair.

[BillArf]

Often deteriorating food particles in the drain traps and drain pipes are the cause of gray tank odors. Also, a plugged vacuum breaker(s) under the lavatory/kitchen sink or a plugged vent pipe can lead to odor issues. Consider cleaning/changing all the vacuum breakers, rinsing the gray tank out well with some type of disinfectant. I'd also go up on the roof and run water down the vent pipe(s) to insure they are clear. Below is a pic of the $3.00-$4.00 vacuum breaker you can find at Home Depot, Lowe,s, etc. Also, I as Linda in the post above believe a screen strainer on all drains is a must. Try to limit the amt. of grease going down the drains by wiping plates, pans, etc. before washing in the RV kitchen sink. Run lots of clean water after washing dishes so any particles are flushed out of the drain traps, etc.

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