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Eliminating RV Sewage Smell

by Holly mcbeth
(Austin tx)

Eliminating RV Sewage Smell

Eliminating RV Sewage Smell

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 drainpipes). I have tried the cheaper fabric softeners...but they only work for about a minute.

Happy trails, and happy smells!


Tank Blaster

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

Other causes of a sewer smell in your RV



Air Admittance Valve


First, you may have a bad Air Admittance Valve (pictured Above) on one of your RV's sinks. To learn more about this potential problem you should read This Could Be Causing the Bad Smell in Your RV.

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 like 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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Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Comments for Eliminating RV Sewage Smell

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best black/gray tank solution
by: CoopsRVadventures


Unique RV Digest-It Black Tank Treatment

I've heard all the claims and always wondered which was the best RV tank treatment out there. So, I did a test on my own. There was a clear winner, and it works with both the smell and breaks down the solids. I am not sponsored, nor do I get anything for promoting them. Here is a video of my test, watch it to the end to see the best tank solution I found.

Rating
starstarstarstar 		Sometimes its the plumbing
by: AussieTx



Most RV toilets also have a sink that drains into the black tank rather than the grey. Most will have a hidden AAV (Air Admittance Valve) this valve allows air in to let the water from the sink drain into the black tank and then closes to stop the stench from the black tank entering the room. These valves do fail. Mine was on its last legs after 10+ years and when I was renovating the toilet room I replaced it. They are not easy to find, mine was hidden well behind a draw in the sink cabinet. After replacing that intermittent odor has gone. The valves can be purchased from HD or Lowes but steer clear of the cheap ones.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rid-X for RVs and Pinesole (yellow one) lemon scent
by: Anonymous


Rid-X for RVs

We have always used Pine-Sol in our travel trailer since new. The yellow one that smells like lemons. It's cheap for a gallon at Walmart, Lowes, or Home Depot and you can use it generously. Smells like the cleaning lady just left when you flush.

Then we heard of Rid-X for RVs and started using it. Since then, our tank indicators have begun to work for the first time since the camper was new! we were also still using in combination the Pine-Sol. But the Rid-x will actually kill off the Pine-Sol scent. We are sold on Rid-X for RVs.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Septic bio active bacteria
by: Anonymous


Bio-Clean Bacteria

I use a product called Bio-Clean Bacteria. I only full time in the the summer months so when I open for the first time after the winter I will fill both the grey and black tanks full and add a cup of this stuff to each and leave it for a week. You wouldn’t believe the crap that comes out of both tanks when you dump. I use the black tank flush kit once a week but it never will get everything.

The bio clean is amazing stuff. After the first treatment, I use a tablespoon in each tank after each time I dump. Haven't had sewer smells in 4 years since starting to use this stuff.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Toilet packets
by: Anonymous

No need to cut open the black tank packets, just put them in the toilet with some water. They will dissolve, then flush.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		We also use
by: donnie


Calgon Liquid Water Softener

We have a 32' mh and besides the Downey, we also add a couple of capfuls of liquid Calgon Water Softener to the holding tank.

It seems to help make the paper not cling to the sensors as bad.

For us, it seems to work pretty well.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bleach in black water tank??
by: Anonymous

Bleach is going to kill any beneficial bacteria, which is necessary to break down the solids to begin with. Maybe for gray water tank, but not for black!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Downey
by: Anonymous

I would think downey would get gummed up in the tank, can anyone prove it doesn't. In theory it sounds great but they even say not to use fabric softner in your clothes washer because of that problem, as well as dryer sheets in the dryer
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bleach
by: John


Bleach

I have lived/worked in my 40’ 5th wheel for 12 years, the best thing I’ve found to keep the Black tank clean is bleach. Any brand. I dump the tank, pour in one gallon and immediately add 2 gallons of water. There’s no odor for about 2-3 weeks. It has never harmed any of my rubber seals or valves
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Eliminating RV Sewage
by: Anonymous

What about Ridex.? That breaks down and doesn't it help with odor.?


Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment Liquid


Note from RVing Al Rid-X now makes a treatment specifically designed for RVs called Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment Liquid (Pictured Above).
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Porta Pot odors
by: Anonymous

While this may not seem to eliminate the odor problem, it works well, especially with urine which is what is the main cause of the odor. Add about 1/4 cup of ammonia to the tank and that will take care of the problem.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Downy use.
by: Anonymous

Can you use downy in a porta potty?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Downy
by: Ron

I have a portable toilet,Do you put the downy inside the water tank for flushing or in the tank where toilet dumps into ? You said it helps keep stuff from sticking. That's why I was thinking you put it in the flushing part of the tank. Thank you
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Deodorizer packets
by: Anonymous

I didn't think you were supposed to cut open the packets. Don't they dissolve once they hit water? Just wondering?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Downey
by: Tazman


Downey Liquid Fabric Softener

The other benefit of Downey is it prevents anything from sticking to the sides. Either one works scented or not.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Downey
by: Anonymous

Yes, the scented downey
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Downy?
by: Anonymous

Is this the one with the fragrance or can I use fragrance free. I am allergic to fragrances. I’d rather put up with a temporary smell of sewer than the headache from the fragrance. I also use Snow Fresh enzyme in my tank and it works well
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The blue packs
by: Anonymous


Porta-PAC Holding Tank Toilet Treatment

One brand of blue packs is "Porta-PAC" made by a company called "walex", but there are several on the market. You can find them in either the camping department, or with swimming pool supplies. Their primary function is to break down paper and waste so it won't clog.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Blue packs
by: Anonymous

What are these blue packs you are talking about do you have a brand or spacific name of the product? Thanks for the Downey tip.

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