Help! My grey water tank is stinking up my rv

[OhhWell]

Originally Posted by Jim-Bev-2363

If you have a source of smoke to force into the lines you can find the leak easily. Smoke will come out small cracks. I use a halloween smoke maker but maybe hardware stores have smoke in cans for this purpose.

That's a great idea.

[Gene]

I think it would be easier to unscrew the vent piece and look to see if the rubber has failed in some way.

[Anita1]

I used the Happy camper as outlined in my camper and my grey water tank still stunk afterwards. I think it gets into the plastic. I keep my drains sealed when not in use. I also add happy camper cleaner every time we camp in the hopes that in time the smell will go away.

[noralee]

so i got the happy camper and cleaned out the black and grey tanks. dumped it down all drains in camper. the smell is definitely better, but i feel like it's still there, just diminished or changed. not quite sure yet, but i didn't feel like it was 'problem solved.' what next?!

i can still use smoke to test for hairline cracks, but if the happy camper cleans the tanks then there wouldn't be anything to cause a bad smell that could come through the cracks. so i'm not sure it would be helpful.

i had an idea that perhaps a rodent died under the toilet/shower base. there's a space big enough but from the little i can see under there i didn't see one. doesn't mean that there isn't one. is it possible for a rodent to get anywhere else that woulnd't be visible? i can't think of anything else that would make this smell. i'm still curious though over the next couple days what happens. thanks for any suggestions!

[GKLarson]

We had that exact thing happen a few yrs back in our 1st camper. I used my nose to track down the approximate location of the worst odor then a flashlite & bent piece of wire to fish out the remains

[noralee]

Originally Posted by GKLarson

We had that exact thing happen a few yrs back in our 1st camper. I used my nose to track down the approximate location of the worst odor then a flashlite & bent piece of wire to fish out the remains

oy, i'm beginning to think this is what's going on. both of the cabinets where the smell is strongest are connected to openings under the bathroom/toilet. i've looked as best i can w/flashlight and haven't seen anything though so i'm not sure how to proceed. i'll stick a coat hanger in there to see if anything comes out, but i'd still like to have a visual to work with and know that the problem is solved. there is no easy way without tearing out a permanent structure/wall to get to that area unfortunately. any chance i'm wrong about this and there's a secret hatch/door to under there??

[jim44646]

Originally Posted by noralee

oy, i'm beginning to think this is what's going on. both of the cabinets where the smell is strongest are connected to openings under the bathroom/toilet. i've looked as best i can w/flashlight and haven't seen anything though so i'm not sure how to proceed. i'll stick a coat hanger in there to see if anything comes out, but i'd still like to have a visual to work with and know that the problem is solved. there is no easy way without tearing out a permanent structure/wall to get to that area unfortunately. any chance i'm wrong about this and there's a secret hatch/door to under there??

Rent or buy a inspection camera.stick the probe in there and have a look around.
example
Inspection Camera - Save on this Digital Inspection Camera

[Jim-Bev-2363]

A mirror with a handle on it might do the trick as well. Hold the mirror inside the hold as far as possible and shine a flashlight on it. That will throw light back so you can see in the hole around the corner.

Lots of luck finding whatever it is.

[OhhWell]

A rotting dead animal is a very particular smell. It is also a very good possibility as the usual scavengers that would deal with it wouldn't be able to get at it in your camper. Even a little critter will really stink after a while.

I had a bird die in an air duct once in a barracks and the smell was unbelievable.

I hate to suggest it but perhaps after dumping, open your grey tank with the hose off and take a wiff..... Then you can both compare the smell and be certain your grey tank is good.