Waste tank Odours

[Guest Denis]

We have an Autosleeper Clubman and the waste tank seems to emit a pungent odour after a couple of days. The smell seems to emanate mainly from the bathroom sink but also from the kitchen sink. It is fine at first and only seems to happen after we have camped for the night and then start driving again the next day, almost as if it is the churning that contributes to the smell. It is normally after we have cooked the night before. On returning home we are able to get rid of it by pouring various diluted substances down into the tank, including diluted bleach ( hope that is not a no no!!). But on the next trip sure enough the unpleasant odour returns after a night or two. Any ideas anyone.

[Guest henry]

try draining the waste completely and then using the proprieory brand of cleaner for the fresh water tanks filling completely, including the taps,leaving for 24 hours and then rinsing with fresh water. try not to use bleach as this may have an adverse effect upon the plastics etc. if that fails then use white diluted vinegar in the same way, i think the dilution rate is 1 tablespoon per pint or 8 per gallon good luck with the smellies! henry

[Guest Mike T]

Hi There Do you have a "U" traps in you waste system ? It helps if not try fitting some at the highest point you can. We have no problem with waste tank odours on site but have found some slight odours on the move possible the water draining out of the traps we fit the sink plugs now when on the move as soon as water is used again the water trap is made again . Regards Mike

[Guest PeteC]

1 - Dont allow food dregs to get into the tank They start to ferment - writing this the smell returns & I'm not in the van If you have food dregs left put them into the loo casette We empty the washing up water here when camping at sub zero temps Before leaving the site empty the waste tank Then pour some clean water down the sink about 8 to 16 litres You can also close the tap & pour another 8 ltr down the sink - this should have the effect of washing the tank sides as you travel - Then empty it when you arive at the next site 2 Wash out the tank using the proprietory cleaner - also clean the casette with it Fill the cassete & leave 2 to 12 hrs then empty wash & replace the blue stuff Grey tank fill & leave to stand then go for a ride to swish it around before emptying it We also fill the drinking waser tank with a pui chem mixture & let that stand fro about 1 hr Pump the liquid round all the pipes Empty Grey tank Then pump the drinking w fluid down the sink & shower When drink w tank is empty give it a good wash out including the pipes - you may get a slight taste when you first use it but it does no harm & soon goes Try www.motorhomefacts.com

[Guest John T]

You could try using some bio washing liquid. Dilute it and pour it down the sink(s), then go for a drive to slosh it around. Then drain and rinse the wash tank.

[Guest Mel E]

The simplest solution is to put about an egg cup of Thetford Aqua Chem Green ( the biodegradable version) down the kitchen sink after emptying. Solved our similar problem completely.

[Guest Docted]

So many answers here is another:- Pint of boiling water and bicarbonate of soda every time you empty the tank. Good luck Docted

[Guest Denis]

Many thanks for all the helpful advice. Denis.

[Guest David Powell]

Hi Denis, sorry, a late answer, have been away canal cruising for a couple of weeks. Here is another problem in many 'vans that add to the smells that I have dealt with in various 'vans over the years:- Many have been fitted with concertina/corrugated type of hose as drain pipes which are practically impossible to flush clean as everything that likely go stinky will get trapped, plus the parts that sag, ie crossing from the shower tray across to the opposite side of the 'van, water will stay in the sagging parts and get smellier day by day. The answer is to spend a bit of time replacing your drain plumbing with house type ridged plastic drain pipes, ensuring a free run along stiff smooth pipes to the waste tank, or use a hose readily available from many sources, with a smooth interior, and a spiral moulded outside which keeps it from collapsing when put around bends, but can still sag. I have successfully done this from time to time. A tank cleans relatively easily but not plumbing of a poor design. The idea of Pete C of putting food down the loo is 'apparently' not a good idea if you have a "marine type" toilet. I don't know why, but above the marine type toilets on the timeshare canal narrow boats that I use is a notice PLEASE DO NOT PUT ANYTHING DOWN THIS TOILET THAT HAS NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY CONSUMED. It may be worth your while to check your plumbing incase it is that and not your waste tank.