Community Forums

TWINCAMSAM · 09-25-2016, 01:37 PM

Ever since we purchased our 2014 BOUNDER this spring, on every trip at some point the coach was filled with this methane smell Rotten eggs- sewer, what ever you want to call it. I have received some good advice on gassing batteries and failed waste vent caps under the sink. This weekend after a couple days camping while the DW was sleeping in one morning she was rudely awaken by the stench. She said it as if it emanating right there in the bedroom. She was right-it was all over the MH but strongest in the bedroom. I got to thinking about it "when meditating on this singlar circumstance" I had an epiphany. The washer dryer combo! We do not have one but we have the space and plumbing! The P-Trap was bone dry! Removed the trap, stuffed in some damp rags-problem solved. Have had no rotten egg smell...well maybe a little..oops...excuse me

I will plumb in some more perm remove able caps this week.
PS...I guess I should throw this out there for the DWV challenged. The purpose of a P-trap is to create a water barrier in the pipes which will keep sewer gases from entering your home from the drains. If a drain is not used for a long while the water barrier can evaporate leaving open route for the noxious/poisonous gas.

imob · 09-25-2016, 01:51 PM

Awesome catch. Sometimes it is the easiest things that we overlook.

Atom Ant · 09-25-2016, 02:01 PM

That is a good catch! I just learned that on my house now that the kids are gone. The unused bathrooms evaporate.

**CLIFFTALL** · 09-25-2016, 02:14 PM

RV antifreeze will evaporate much slower.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atom Ant

That is a good catch! I just learned that on my house now that the kids are gone. The unused bathrooms evaporate.

LETMGROW · 09-25-2016, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWINCAMSAM

Ever since we purchased our 2014 BOUNDER this spring, on every trip at some point the coach was filled with this methane smell Rotten eggs- sewer, what ever you want to call it. I have received some good advice on gassing batteries and failed waste vent caps under the sink. This weekend after a couple days camping while the DW was sleeping in one morning she was rudely awaken by the stench. She said it as if it emanating right there in the bedroom. She was right-it was all over the MH but strongest in the bedroom. I got to thinking about it "when meditating on this singlar circumstance" I had an epiphany. The washer dryer combo! We do not have one but we have the space and plumbing! The P-Trap was bone dry! Removed the trap, stuffed in some damp rags-problem solved. Have had no rotten egg smell...well maybe a little..oops...excuse me

I will plumb in some more perm remove able caps this week.
PS...I guess I should throw this out there for the DWV challenged. The purpose of a P-trap is to create a water barrier in the pipes which will keep sewer gases from entering your home from the drains. If a drain is not used for a long while the water barrier can evaporate leaving open route for the noxious/poisonous gas.

Don't waste time in unneeded plumbing. Go to an auto parts store with the measurement you need to plug the pipe and buy a rubber plug meant to replace an engine block freeze out plug. The plug will have a nut on a stem which expands the plug when it is inserted and tightened down. Removal is simply backing the nut off releasing the plug and you are good to go. Cost would probably be under $3.00.
Lynn

Atom Ant · 09-25-2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

RV antifreeze will evaporate much slower.

I didn't know that, thanks! Lord knows I have plenty of that in the garage right now - tis the season.

Gordon Dewald · 09-25-2016, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

RV antifreeze will evaporate much slower.

Throw some vegetable oil on top of the antifreeze and it will last for a long time.

Atom Ant · 09-25-2016, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

Throw some vegetable oil on top of the antifreeze and it will last for a long time.

Thanks - I'll try that too

4x4van · 09-25-2016, 05:12 PM

Adding water, anti-freeze, or oil to the P-Trap in your case is a waste of time. Driving will slosh the liquid out, and you'll be right back to the smells. Since your Washer drain is not being used at all, simply do what LETMGROW suggested and plug it with a rubber expansion plug; quick, easy, cheap, and easily removable in case you DO get a washer in the future.

Mudfrog · 09-25-2016, 05:31 PM

I wouldn't try to keep the P-traps full. Go with the plug. Heck, put some cling wrap around the end of the pipe and use a rubber band to secure it in place.

imob · 09-25-2016, 06:47 PM

3 parts to this, the alternate fluids will make it last longer. They will eventually dry up or slosh out. If you cut out the p-trap you limit it for the next owner. (I know if I saw this I would penalize you in the purchase price).

A $.39 pipe cap and some pvc pipe seal from Home Depot is you best solution.

steppinstone · 09-25-2016, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imob

3 parts to this, the alternate fluids will make it last longer. They will eventually dry up or slosh out. If you cut out the p-trap you limit it for the next owner. (I know if I saw this I would penalize you in the purchase price).

A $.39 pipe cap and some pvc pipe seal from Home Depot is you best solution.

I second that!!