Foul smells…

[Ernieo]

We have been experiencing foul smells coming from the washer and dryer when we start our travels. If we leave the bathroom exhaust fan on, the smells get pulled outside. We thought it was the toilet, but we have confirmed that the smell is not coming from there.

Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

[ThunderRidge]

Your air admittance valve may be bad. Also, how long has it been since you ran the cleaning cycle. Do you keep your washing machine door open when you are not using your coach?

[NHRA225]

I know mine is an Antique in comparison - I get the same issue and it's from the Drain Pipe for the washer which has a dried out P trap leading to the Grey tank-- I dump some Olive oil and water down mine once a year- No more odor .

[fletch460]

My first thought would be the trap in washer drain. Sometimes when empting tanks water gets sucked out of trap

[Ernieo]

Originally Posted by ThunderRidge

Your air admittance valve may be bad. Also, how long has it been since you ran the cleaning cycle. Do you keep your washing machine door open when you are not using your coach?

Not sure what the air admittance valve is. However, we did run a cycle with slime cleaning stuff but there is no specific cleaning cycle.

Yes, we keep the door open when not in use to help dry it out.

[Ernieo]

Originally Posted by NHRA225

I know mine is an Antique in comparison - I get the same issue and it's from the Drain Pipe for the washer which has a dried out P trap leading to the Grey tank-- I dump some Olive oil and water down mine once a year- No more odor .

Where do you put the olive oil? How would I keep water in the P trap?

[Ernieo]

Originally Posted by fletch460

My first thought would be the trap in washer drain. Sometimes when empting tanks water gets sucked out of trap

How do I put water in the trap?

[Ljwt330]

Behind the W/D you will see the standpipe where the discharge hose goes. That standpipe connects to the p-trap, and from there the drain pipe runs to the right. To the right of the standpipe you should be able to see the riser with the AAV screwed on top.



I had the exact same issue in my Alpine, though the W/D had been removed so visual and physical contact with the drain plumbing was easy. I at first did not notice the AAV, and simply capped the standpipe. When that failed to stop the odor, I looked closer and saw the AAV. Replaced it (actually taped over the vents) and odors were gone.


You may have to move the W/D to see or replace the AAV, but I would bet that's your problem.

[Terry W]

Ernie,

On my 40' I have a cabinet above the W/D, the pic looks like you do also, and in the back of the cabinet there is a panel that lifts out. There is a hole to lift it. Under the panel is the drain and also the hoses for the W/D. The vent for the drain has the AAV screwed on the pipe next to where the hoses enter the drain. Mine was pretty tight but I believe I got some channel locks in there. Screw it off and replace. Available at Lowes, HD etc. Good time to add water to the trap also!!

There is also one under the kitchen sink and bath area vanity. I replaced all of mine for good measure.

Terry

[Ernieo]

Ok, I found it. Not to hard to find. Hard to believe this could go bad. Nonetheless, I guess I can send some water down this pipe to fill the p trap.

[Ljwt330]

Originally Posted by Ernieo

Ok, I found it. Not to hard to find. Hard to believe this could go bad. Nonetheless, I guess I can send some water down this pipe to fill the p trap.

Very simple and cheap design using a spring an rubber diaphragm. If the diaphragm shrinks/warps over the years, seal is lost. Spring is very weak as it has to compress due to vacuum in the line. A slight warping of the seal is not likely to be overcome.

[Ernieo]

Problem resolved by replacing the AAV. Thanks gang!

[bcbowers]

FWIW ...We simply run the washing machine on a rinse cycle to fill the trap ... problem solved until it comes back ... them another rinse.