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Old 07-01-2016, 05:46 PM   #1
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Smell in bathroom

We have a 2013 Fleetwood Southwind that we bought new. The second time out we noticed a bad smell in the bathroom after the second day. It is sort of a urine smell and I cleaned around toilet and floor very well. We noticed the smell was strong inside the cabinet under the sink. Took it back to dealer and they said something about the vent coming loose. Not sure where the vent they were talking about is but after taking it out about 2 more times the smell was back. Unfortunately we did not take it back for service (they had it for 2 mo the first time) and now it's out of warranty. We have just been dealing with the smell. We do use deodorizer in both the black and grey water tanks and have tried several different brands. It doesn't seem to matter if we are camping where we have a sewer hook-up or no sewer. We wash tanks good when we return home each time. Anyone else have this problem or any suggestions?
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Old 07-01-2016, 06:56 PM   #2
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Under the sink is probably a 'cheater vent' that is a one way valve to let air into the drain line so the trap isn't drained and keep sewer smells from inside the RV. They do fail at times and should be replaced, not eliminated. No glue, just screw it on in place of the old one.

The other place smells can develop is if the toilet valve doesn't close correctly. Sometimes 'foreign' matter can get caught in the groove the seal rides in. An old toothbrush can scrub it clean. Water should stay in the bowl after flushing to keep the odors at bay.
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Old 07-01-2016, 07:38 PM   #3
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Had that vent in our wheeless house "crap" out and oh yes, I stinks. Cheap and easy fix.
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Old 07-01-2016, 09:58 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sp7028 View Post
We have a 2013 Fleetwood Southwind that we bought new. The second time out we noticed a bad smell in the bathroom after the second day. It is sort of a urine smell and I cleaned around toilet and floor very well. We noticed the smell was strong inside the cabinet under the sink. Took it back to dealer and they said something about the vent coming loose. Not sure where the vent they were talking about is but after taking it out about 2 more times the smell was back. Unfortunately we did not take it back for service (they had it for 2 mo the first time) and now it's out of warranty. We have just been dealing with the smell. We do use deodorizer in both the black and grey water tanks and have tried several different brands. It doesn't seem to matter if we are camping where we have a sewer hook-up or no sewer. We wash tanks good when we return home each time. Anyone else have this problem or any suggestions?
As mentioned, it's the vent under the sink. Look under there and youll see the black ABS pipe. At the top of the pipe is the valve. Most are not glued so you can just wiggle it off. Take it to Home Depot Lowes or local plumbing supply and replace it.
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Old 07-01-2016, 10:07 PM   #5
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I just had that same exact problem. I took the valve off and flushed it good with water and that appears to have done the trick, although I will replace it.
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Old 07-01-2016, 11:39 PM   #6
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If a new cheater vent don't fix the problem, then perhaps ensure that the fumes are being exhausted out by trying a Cyclone.

Camco mfg,Plumbing vents,Vents,Cyclone plumbing vent,

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Old 07-02-2016, 06:32 AM   #7
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When you go to Home Depot or Lowes they may not know what you are referring to when you say "cheater vent". The plumbing term is AAV which the acronym for "Air Admittance Valve.".
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Old 07-02-2016, 07:05 AM   #8
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Some people call it a vacuum break.
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Old 07-02-2016, 07:15 AM   #9
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When you go to Home Depot or Lowes they may not know what you are referring to when you say "cheater vent". The plumbing term is AAV which the acronym for "Air Admittance Valve.".
That's a very good point. This air admittance valve is used in stick built homes, but not on a regular basis. I would venture to say most houses don't have them. Unless the person you ask at HD or lowes is somewhat fluent in 'plumbing', they may not know what it is.
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Old 07-02-2016, 08:41 AM   #10
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Smell in bathroom

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try replacing the cheater vent first.
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Old 07-03-2016, 08:42 AM   #11
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Other names for the 'cheater vent' are also 'check vent' and 'auto vent'. Most community building/plumbing codes prohibit this vent in homes so it's commonly found in mobile homes and RV's.
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Old 07-03-2016, 03:45 PM   #12
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tried all of above still odour in our 96 kountry star
cannot find leaks
filled black tank full of water & still drains down to tank level
toilet removed & filling to top of abs pipe [floor flange]
probing with cotton cloth on wire
no sign of moisture
ideas please
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Old 07-03-2016, 04:05 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by manitou View Post
tried all of above still odour in our 96 kountry star
cannot find leaks
filled black tank full of water & still drains down to tank level
toilet removed & filling to top of abs pipe [floor flange]
probing with cotton cloth on wire
no sign of moisture
ideas please
With all due respect, this post was about odors under the bathroom sink. No mention of leaks in the post or replies. Are you sure you're replying to the correct post?

Maybe you would be better off by starting a new post with your specific problem so that we can better help you. And again, with all due respect, a little punctuation in your statements would help others to understand what you are talking about. Be specific.

Good luck

Ron
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Old 07-05-2016, 10:21 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by manitou View Post
tried all of above still odour in our 96 kountry star
cannot find leaks
filled black tank full of water & still drains down to tank level
toilet removed & filling to top of abs pipe [floor flange]
probing with cotton cloth on wire
no sign of moisture
ideas please
Now you lost me . . .
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