Community Forums

Bludiver · 04-25-2015, 10:35 PM

We have a problem with a foul odor coming from the gray tank when we are on the road. We use a gray tank deodorizing solution each time we empty the tank and have no problem with odors when we are parked, only when we are on the road. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Doggy Daddy · 04-25-2015, 10:43 PM

Be sure all sink and shower P traps are filled with water. Over time water will evaporate in P traps allowing gas and odors to enter.

vsheetz · 04-25-2015, 11:15 PM

Is there a washer/dryer plumbing? Ensure this trap has water or sealed.

chboone · 04-25-2015, 11:34 PM

Could be an Air Admittance valve not sealing properly. You will have on at each sink and shower. A friend had a 2005 45 ft Monaco and is the type she had.

Proflo PF108202 N/A - Build.com

JFXG · 04-26-2015, 12:12 AM

Do you travel with windows open, or roof vents open? This could create a negative pressure inside the coach that could suck fumes up from the gray.

Arch Hoagland · 04-26-2015, 01:16 AM

We keep all vents and windows closed while moving.

Had a odor problem years ago and discovered closing the vents cured it.

bobsharon · 04-26-2015, 06:35 AM

I am working through the same problem. I have replaced the air admittance valves (2), one in kitchen, one in bath. I have installed turbo vents on the vent stacks and have still experienced the gray tank phew. My next step is to replace the p-trap in the kitchen with a waterless version.
What I don't understand is why after years of no problem this raised its ugly head last year.

Jamie65 · 04-26-2015, 07:18 AM

Check vents on roof to make sure they are open, I had mud dauber or wasp nest in mine. Used a small drain auger to clean them. This created a low pressure area inside the bus while driving bringing in the odor.

Dsallach · 04-26-2015, 07:33 AM

Just a thought, are you sure it is the grey tank? Do you your batteries loose water? Overcharging batteries will produce a smell similar to sewage water.

Old Scout · 04-26-2015, 07:43 AM

IF your kitchen sink is on a slide, the "not so flexible" sewer hose that connects the slide to the rest of the coach's sewer pipes can break/crack...just a thought. If you have an unused plumbing p-trap for a washer/dryer--another good item to check/reseal.

mel s · 04-26-2015, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsharon

I am working through the same problem. I have replaced the air admittance valves (2), one in kitchen, one in bath. I have installed turbo vents on the vent stacks and have still experienced the gray tank phew. My next step is to replace the p-trap in the kitchen with a waterless version.
What I don't understand is why after years of no problem this raised its ugly head last year.

bobsharon
Do all of your p-traps have water in them?
My P-traps sometimes dry out, (especially the one for the washer), when unused for a while.
Pouring a few cups of water down the drain will fix that.
Mel
'96 Safari

HoneyBadger · 04-26-2015, 07:59 AM

If the odor is only noticeable when the coach is in motion, chances are you have a low-pressure situation sucking the odors into the coach.

Venturi type vents like this one or an in-line fan like the Lil Stanker are both good solutions if you can't otherwise determine the cause.

Waiter21 · 04-26-2015, 08:07 AM

"P" traps can dry out and slosh out while the MH is on the road.

Run a cup of water in all the sinks and shower drains. Also, a tablespoon (very small amount) of vegetable cooking oil into the drain after the cup of water will reduce the evaporation, put it in drains you normally don't use while traveling.

Make sure there is water in the toilet bowl, this seals the toilet.

If it continues, consider one of those wind-vain vent caps to replace your existing vent cap.

You can also try putting the drain plug in the sinks and shower, then run a tiny bit of water into the sink and shower while your under way.

plasma800 · 04-26-2015, 08:24 AM

Also, be sure you treat your grey tank with "happy camper" - you can buy it on amazon - it's a little tub of powder.

Flush the crud out of your grey tank, then put this stuff in each time after you empty. 3 or 4 times into it, the smells "smell" will be significantly better.

x3 on checking all of the traps. I read a lot about unused washing machines losing their water in the trap. Also run a plastic zipper down the shower drain. I have no idea how old your unit is, but in our Revolution, the shower drain was full of some pretty disgusting stuff from the previous owner that kept the trap junked with stuff other than water. Once we cleaned it out, it held it's water better and stopped smelling while driving.