Gray Water Tank Odor in an RV STINKS! Can You Figure Out Why Our RV's Grey Waste Tank Reeks!?

[@RVgeeks]

READ OUR BLOG POST ALL ABOUT OUR MYSTERY RV GRAY WATER STENCH! www.thervgeeks.com/gray-water-tank-odor-in-rv/

[@neilrankin9945]

I can’t believe a Rv manufacturer would put a sink into a slide. The flexible hose is like a vacuum cleaner hose. Better stock up on your hose supply. Kudos to you for finding the issue!

[@FotoMatt]

That is amazing detective work that you guys did. Quite impressive. It is another example of just how poorly designed and constructed so many RVs are, especially with systems located behind the scenes.

[@standingmannequin7911]

Love this example of strong resiliency. I also think having a more detailed and thoughtful model specific RV manual would be helpful.

[@terry3193]

Hi Guys! This was an EXTREMELY interesting episode! The problem was such a hidden and sneaky culprit but yet right under your nose. As always, love you channel and it's always so informative, entertaining, and professionally done. Happy trails and be safe!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Terry!

[@xplmr1]

Always top notch explanations. Thanks again for the wealth of knowledge you document and share with the rest of us. Cheers!

[@larryv4249]

Very good video, and bringing to peoples attention the dynamics of plumbing in a slide out. Another tip on trying to find the source of plumbing odor is to squeeze a couple of drops of peppermint extract down the roof vent (if accessible) and then go inside and sniff for the minty smell.

[@RVgeeks]

Great idea Larry!!

[@ellengrace4609]

Fascinating! I can smell my gray water if my gray tank is more than 2/3 full. It’s not a strong smell because the water doesn’t sit long - I usually empty the gray tank every 4 to 5 days. I have a very sensitive sense of smell so it’s possible there is no real problem and this slight odor is normal, but your video helps me understand the plumbing system better so I’m going to check things over. Thank you! 😃

[@brngrofdeth]

Very interesting find. Thank you for posting. Much appreciated. Love and blessings from Ontario Canada!

[@jenfugit7801]

So specific, but fascinating. I love how you guys figured it out and, as always, how you share your information to the RVing world! Thank you!

[@GinosGarageUSA]

Very funny this video popped up, yesterday we started having that same smell from our gray tank. I had changed the AAV a while ago but seems it has failed. I ordered a new one and hopefully that is the fix. We do not have slides so do not thankfully have to worry about flex pipe, great find!

[@BigAustralianMotorhomeLap]

Great video. I’m from Australia and have a motorhome on order. I’m a total rookie, never owned a motorhome or caravan. I haven’t even been camping (in a tent) since the eighties, so I’m thirsty for any info on motorhoming. I love finding out how things work, more so than my husband. It gives you confidence when things break. Like many people, I decided to buy a motorhome when Covid hit and closed the borders. The borders are now reopening but I’m still keen to see my own country. I’m planning on doing the big lap of Australia and mainly free camping.

[@raybbj]

Moral of the story............. make sure you floss your teeth daily!. It's no coincidence that grey water smells the same as bad breath. Old rotting food food particles smell the same whether it's in your grey tank or between your teeth! Also, great job filming the the slide going in and out demonstrating the issue. Cheers!

[@tdav225]

Love your channel, explanations, editing, camera work all top notch! By the way I installed your extra 20 amp outlet plug last year and love having that extra power especially when only 30 amp is available. You guys are great!

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much, Troy! You just made our day. ☺️

[@TheSmallsRVAdventures]

That’s amazing you found that. I know what to look forward when that happens to us. Thank you for sharing this. You are a gem.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Wow, you never cease to be surprised by issues with housing:). I installed a quarter sized fan that actively vents my grey water tank 24/7, it uses very little power and work well. I tried various Ptraps and they always would drain while on the move.

[@22howards]

My last rig had the sink in the slide. I had a very similar thing happen. Yes, hard to find for sure.

[@thomastheys6681]

Outstanding information I am so glad you guys posted this because nobody else could’ve figured it out. You guys are the best. Thomyt

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Thomas! ☺️

[@philipjones3454]

Amazing sleuthing! Nice work.

[@timh8543]

Outstanding

[@TomSpurlock]

That was a very interesting story with a good ending. Thanks for sharing.

[@NeverStopAdventuring]

How crazy! Good troubleshooting!

[@joanmcerlean7158]

Great detective work. Thanks for sharing.

[@OceanSwimmer]

I'm very very new to this, and subscribed because I want to understand how RVs work, plus how to avoid problems. But I have to ask - what is a 'slide', what purpose do they serve, and why are they utilized in RV design? If looking for them in a rental RV, where could I find them? I hope this isn't asking too much at one time! Great explanation, and detective work! Thank you! My motto: "the nose never lies!" (My family kids me about my sensitive nose. I solved a mystery while caring for patient; a mystery odor staff couldn't find for days!) Hence my motto!

[@ellengrace4609]

Hi Ocean, and welcome to RVing! 😃 A slide is a section of the RV that you “slide” out when parked to provide more room. I have three slides: one in the bedroom and two opposing (across from each other) slides in the living room. That’s the simplest explanation I can give but it will make perfect sense if you watch any video related to RV slides.

[@OceanSwimmer]

Thank you, Carolynn! That makes sense. Got it!

[@RVgeeks]

@@ellengrace4609 Welcome Ocean, and thanks Carolynne!

[@charliesheehan4577]

I have a camping trailer that has plumbing on the slide-out. It was the first thing we had to fix when we bought it. Forest River did a really poor job designing it. We ended up replacing the line with a pool vacuum hose. Its been 4 years so far with no problems. I also been to a few RV shows in my area over the years, when I would come across an RV that has a sink with a slide out, I look under the sink to see how they did it. (I drive the sales people nuts!) The majority of them are the same design as your RV. Others are an interesting design where the pipe pivots on a slip-joint type fitting (if you will). No flexible piping at all, a much better setup in my opinion.

[@larw4006]

Amazing discovery!!! Thanks for this video.

[@xuv5607]

Bravo!! That's what it was. Thanks Im glad your plumbing drain line cracked:0

[@raymondschneider5217]

Interesting video; who'd have guessed (not even THE GEEKS!). Like all of your how-to vids, great video and explanation; talkingk/showing the steps taken are very helpful. Thanks to you both for sharing! Y'all Be Safe!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Raymond!

[@garyag45]

Great information and great detective work. 👍😎🇺🇸

[@timaz1066]

Another good video. Thank you

[@PANDA_SPEAKS101]

Awesome Detective work

[@dennisbutler349]

Well done, as always.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Dennis!

[@juanitapfister676]

You guys are the best! Great video!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much!

[@Assassin1959]

Great video guys!!

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@patrickpeterman8736]

great video thank,s PJP

[@badgeell2804]

Awesome video very good info well done you guys 👍🇨🇦🛠️

[@tombeilman5579]

Nice find

[@coreysaxe3902]

You had to think (look) “inside the box” to find this one!

[@RVgeeks]

We see what you did there, Corey! 😄

[@John5ive]

This is a really excellent video. It almost looks like the end of the old flex pipe was cut were it was tightly coiled for shipping and warehouse storage. It's amazing that it lasted 10 years. I'll say it again, I'm envious at the length of time you've had that RV (16 or 17 years now?) and it still looks brand new. You take the time to maintain it and especially fix small problems before they become disasters, which allows you keep it for as long as you have. Just curious, how many miles on the odometer? 😀

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks for the comments, John. Much appreciated. We’re at about 97,000 miles.

[@stana2z]

Miss these kinds of videos.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Stan. We’re hoping to be able to make more time to do this kind of video, but some of it is very opportunistic (as in, when we have an unusual problem crop up). 😉

[@isaiahbangura4421]

I changed my p traps to HepVo valves.

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@donholcomb4060]

Wow, great detective work! I am looking for a source of 1.5" under counter vents. Newmar advises that vent for our DSDP is discontinued. Bye the way, we are just about to order a new patio awning from Tough Top Awnings to replace the old acrylic fabric on our weather pro patio awning. I watched your video on fabric replacement and found Tough Top. How is your fabric holding up? Any regrets or advice? Thanks for your content, you guys are my go to source for repair/replacement information! Thanks!!! Don

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Don! Tough Top fabric is so much better than the original stuff. It’s obvious the minute you see it, and it lasts for years longer. All ours are like new after years of full-time use.

[@huizdeeze1075]

RV owners badicly traveling handy man

[@davidstorres03]

I have a question, can an automatic start for a 2004 class c be installed on the onan 4000?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Dave! Here's some info directly from Onan that should get you started: www.cummins.com/generators/motorhome-and-rv/wireless-rv-auto-generator-start-system

[@scottsdialyadventure1338]

What is that smell laying in bed and all I can smell is that fumi Gray water stitch Check under the bathroom sink and that's definitely where it's coming out then boondocking for a while the tank was kind of full last time so there you have it the error admission valve or whatever we call it.. Must be a health hazard cause I've got a headache right now.. Baggy and rubber band and hopefully that will be a good temporary fix..thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Keith! Sure sounds like you have a bad air admittance valve. Here’s a video we made all about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2iWYphultiAr6s

[@scottsdialyadventure1338]

@@RVgeeks Exactly I sure appreciate your information and after sealing it off with the baggy and rubber band no more smell so there you go... I have you to thank for waking up not having a nasty headache this morning have an excellent day

[@roystephMote]

we have always drained our gray tank daily. I put treatment in it after that plus 4 gallons of water every morning. we are in Texas now. I didn't have this problem in Wyoming. But when I drain it now in the heat of Texas summers, I get a smell inside, but do not smell it outside. We have looked under sinks, under shower. None of those are in a slide out. We didn't have this problem in Wyoming. We drain it daily, in the morning, always have since purchased just because in the beginning we would almost overflow, water would back up in shower first when tank got full. We have lived in it for two years now. not quite a year in Texas, yet. It just bothers me in should I be doing something different. is there something else I should be looking for or doing different thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Hi! So sorry to hear you’re having this trouble. This type of thing can be so challenging to sleuth out. In trying to figure out any difference between being in Wyoming and being in Texas is… Do you have any of your roof vents open because it’s warmer out? it is possible that some odor from your plumbing vent on the roof is coming in through the open vent.

[@roystephMote]

@@RVgeeks hotter and more humid in Texas. Is what we are thinking. The bathroom with the fan, we open in cooler weather, we haven't opened it since early May. We are on week two of over 100 degrees. Might not have anything to do with it. It was just the only difference in trailer life. The smell goes away, it just frustrating that it happens when it use to not be a thing.

[@stana2z]

This is why plumbing in slideouts is a bad design.

[@a-carpenter9229]

What kind of smell does the grey tank give off? We have a small travel trailer that has a bad oder and we can't seem to figure out where it's coming from. It's not a smell of sewage

[@RVgeeks]

It’s bad! Hard to describe. But can be just as nasty as black water!

[@a-carpenter9229]

@@RVgeeks we have a camping trip coming up next month, I'm going to do the geo method in both black and white tanks along with ice in the black tank before heading off and see if that can help

[@RVgeeks]

@@a-carpenter9229 if the odor is coming from underneath one of your sinks, be sure to check the air admittance valves. We have another video all about that if you need more info.

[@addidasnwc]

Great video guys!!!