Sewer gas smell

[Fossilefinder]

I have dumped the black water and did the rinse and still get sewer gas smell inside the 5th wheel. Any thoughts?

[Woollymonster]

You could have the dreaded poop pyramid and/or the smell could be coining from grey tanks.

I use Unique products in all my tanks except the freshwater tank. I just use vinegar and Dawn in it for rinsing it out. No problems yet but, before winterizing, I always travel with a little treated water in the tanks to slosh it around.

I learned this method from a video I saw on RV life. Seems to work well. There is also this:

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Flexibl...hlbWF0aWM&th=1

After dumping and rinsing, I would keep 3 gallons or so of treated water in the black tank.

[ARoamer]

Originally Posted by Fossilefinder

I have dumped the black water and did the rinse and still get sewer gas smell inside the 5th wheel. Any thoughts?

Welcome to the forum! (BTW, TC is one of our fav vacation areas!)
A few guesses.
LP leak?
Roof vent not connected at cap leaking sewer gas into roof.
Air admittance valve leaking.
Bath fan running drawing in sewer gas?

[Fossilefinder]

Thank you, have checked things out and last night my gas detector went off and I have no propane hooked up. Could sewer gas do this? Will have to get under the enclosed bottom and see if I have a bad tank.

[JFlightRisk]

Welcome to the Forum from Western New York State!

Chances are if you used the on-board flush, it didn't get to all the areas in the tank, and you have some residual stuff hiding in there. (Ask my BIL who had smells after flushing).

The most effective way to be sure the tank is rinsed is by using one of these flushing wands on the end of a hose, and flush from down the toilet. We use the first straight one (I did drill three more holes in the end opposing each other so it sprays in four directions. Less "twisting" of the wand), or if it's not a straight shot down into the tank, you can use one of the flexible ones.



https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40103-H...2C1198&sr=8-37

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40094-S...708161&sr=8-53

https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-A01-...1&sr=8-11&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Flexibl...hlbWF0aWM&th=1

[Jim Davis]

I recently had a similar situation
In my case the seal at the bottom of the bowl wasn't sealing. It wouldn't hold water after flushing. I replaced it and the seal at the floor. Unfortunately in my case the 15 year old Thetford developed other problems and in now an expensive Dometic.

Momma is happy.

[Kevin Cooper]

This is the absolute best advice I can give you. It truly works!
https://youtu.be/RgCK_wV7TLI?si=b6VZvUe-Mbfu70W2

[citgodan]

Also - be sure to check your battery compartment.

A couple of years ago we were fooled by bad sewage smell just to find out our battery went bad. We searched for the source of the "sewer smell" and finally opened up the battery compartment to find the battery was hot to the touch and giving off the foul odor. The smell was sulfur smell and was inside the camper too.

Replace the battery and good to go.