FTC Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this article for more information, visit our Advertising Disclosure Page.

You can subscribe to the Everything About RVing YouTube Channel for some great videos about RVing

Our RV's Sewage Leaked Into The RV's Central Vacuum System, Now What Do We Do?

by Lois
(Richmond,Texas)

We have a 5th wheel and the pipe that connects to the toilet had a leak at the seal and we did not realize it also our pipes backed up and we had to have our system roto rootered. Our central vacuum system cleaner bag was under this pipe that was leaking and our vacuum system filled up with this sewer water and we did not find this out for a while and when we did the tube was filled up thru out the camper.


I tried to clean it out but I think there was still sewer water in there that I was unable to reach. It periodically stinks really bad what would happen if we would pour bleach or acetone or everclear into this pipe that goes thru out the camper Or what would you recommend to clean this we are full timers and we love our home and would like to get rid of this stink also my husband undergoes chemo treatments so smells can make him feel sick.

ANSWER: Greetings Lois thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

I am very sorry that you are going through this. If you still have sewage in the piping of your Central Vacuum Cleaner, you need to have someone remove it. Do not under any circumstance pour any liquids into the Vacuum system such as bleach, etc. as this could severely damage the vacuum system.

You may have to hire someone to completely remove and clean the piping for your Central Vacuum. Even if the sewage in the vacuum piping completely dries out it will still have allowed the growth of potentially dangerous mold, mildew and bacteria that could be circulated through your travel trailer while vacuuming regardless of what type of filtering system you have on it.

With your husband undergoing Chemo his resistance to Mold Spores, Mildew and Bacteria is low and this could
cause some serious complications with his health. The smell at this point should be the least of your worries.

Leave your RV repair bills to us—Good Sam Extended Service Plan

I would not even be able to guesstimate how much having this done would cost, but it should be done immediately. The only other alternative to pulling apart the piping for the vacuum would be to have someone come in and seal off all of the inlets and outlets of the vacuum system so that the smell and germs cannot get into the trailer. If you just seal off the openings you will not longer be able to use the central vacuum system.

I hope this helps.

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.

Now protect all of your Vehicles and your family while on the road: Join Good Sam Emergency Road Service Today and save!

Happy RVing

RVing Al

P.S. Did You Know that you can build your own Web Page on Everything About RVing? Just Tell Us Why You Love RVing, Share An RVing Tip Or Trick, Tell Us About Your Favorite Camping Or RVing Destination or Share a Funny RVing Story With Us.

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.

Camping World

Don't Forget To Visit The Everything About RVing Stores.  If It Has To Do With RVing And The Outdoors The EARV Stores Have What You Are Looking For!

RV Accessories - Sporting Goods - RVing and Travel Books and How To Videos - Kindle Accessories and Books - The RVers Gift Shop - The RVer Mall - Buy or Sell An RV - The NASCAR Collectibles Store

Click here to post comments

Return to Ask an RV Question.

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION