Community Forums

ssignor · 01-26-2022, 06:20 PM

Ok we are having a problem with the stench coming from the drains in our kitchen sink, shower and washing machine, only when they are in use.
Any ideas and fixes please.

Skip426 · 01-26-2022, 06:38 PM

Are you in a RV park with your grey tank drain open?

Grey tank smell can be just as bad as black; and require sanitizing the gray tank ; BUT , if your in a park with your grey valve open , the whole park's septic system can be venting through your coach .

lwfox002 · 01-26-2022, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Are you in a RV park with your grey tank drain open?

Grey tank smell can be just as bad as black; and require sanitizing the gray tank ; BUT , if your in a park with your grey valve open , the whole park's septic system can be venting through your coach .

This is what I was thinking. Years ago, we made this mistake on a 5th wheel and OH my what a smell. Now I keep the drains closed until I need to empty tanks. Then I empty them and then close the valves.

newbie 2021 · 01-26-2022, 08:44 PM

I leave the gray open and form a p-trap with sewer hose which blocks the sewer gasses

MJoyce · 01-26-2022, 08:53 PM

Could be a dry p trap. Make sure each one has water in it, including the washing machine. We had some stink until we added water to the washing machine trap.

PetesMH · 01-26-2022, 08:57 PM

Check the air admittance valve under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. They sometimes stick and can be an open vent to the gray tank. Especially when there is water going into the tank it forces air out - and into your living space. They just unscrew on and you can test by blowing in it from the threaded side. You should be able to suck but not blow. They only cost about $15 at a big box home center and are easy to replace.

Ken C · 01-26-2022, 09:01 PM

When our coach was fairly new, we had a significant odor that we finally discovered was originating from the area of the washer. It was noticeable anywhere in the rear half of the coach and dificult to pin down. Newmar found that the drain hose from the washer was extended too far into the drain which apparently prevented the ptrap from doing it's job sealing the drain. Once they shortened the drain hose, the odor went away.

ssignor · 01-27-2022, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Are you in a RV park with your grey tank drain open?

Grey tank smell can be just as bad as black; and require sanitizing the gray tank ; BUT , if your in a park with your grey valve open , the whole park's septic system can be venting through your coach .

We are in a park, but I do not leave my valves open.

richpatty · 01-27-2022, 05:24 PM

It would be good to know WHERE the smell is coming from... i.e. - under the sink, drain, vents, etc...

**Camp CA** · 01-27-2022, 05:43 PM

Try adding some black tank enzyme / odor chemical to see if that resolves. Lots of chemicals out there like Happy Camper. Some good tips in this article might be helpful:

https://nevertootiny.com/stop-grey-water-smell/