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Eliminating RV Sewage Smell

by Holly mcbeth
(Austin tx)

This story was submitted on our RVing Tips And Tricks Page

I'm a professional motorcoach driver. (Tour bus) We do use the blue enzyme packets that are available from Walmart etc. in the pool care section. Although these do have deodorizer in them, their primary function is to break down the solid waste, so it doesn't clog the drain.. it is very important to remember to tear the gel packet so the blue powder can release...otherwise, they don't work at all. I use a rubber glove to do this because the blue dye will stain your hands. These are useful, but the included deodorizer is really no match for the smell after a short while.

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The remedy is very simple: add a couple of cups of DOWNY! No kidding...on a commercial bus trip with 56 people on board, this takes care of the offensive smell for up to 3 days, or when the tank is full and has to be dropped! And who doesn't like the smell of Downey?

The cherry on top of the sundae is this: Downy is biodegradable and will not harm any seals (no, not the animals, the ones in the drain pipes). I have tried the cheaper fabric softeners...but they only work for about a minute.

Happy trails, and happy smells!

Note from RVing Al: If you still have bad smells coming from your RV's holding tank even after using Downey, you may need to deep-clean your holding tanks. We have personally had great success using Thetford Blaster Holding Tank Cleaner (Pictured Above) in our RV holding tanks.

Here is how Thetford Blaster Holding Tank Cleaner blasts the crud and odors out of your holding tanks:

* The first 2-in-1 tank cleaner specifically formulated for black/gray water and portable tanks

* Cleans overnight - then just dump and go

* Micro-foam action improves surface contact to vertical tank walls

* Active enzymatic blend blasts crud and attacks tissue, waste, and grease

* Formulated safe for RV/Marine tanks, plumbing, seals, and surfaces

IMPORTANT FINAL NOTE: If you have taken all the steps above and you still have a "sewer-like" smell in your RV, there is one more area that you should check. You should take a look at your RV's house batteries. The house batteries are always being charged when your RV is plugged in.

Depending on the type of Converter/Charger your RV is equipped with, there is a good chance that the batteries are being overcharged and the electrolytes are being boiled. The boiling electrolytes create a smell similar to a sewer smell. That's why you need to check your RV's house batteries at least once a month and top them off with distilled water.

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