Eliminating Odor In Your Camper Tank: Effective Strategies

If you're an RV owner, you're probably no stranger to the unpleasant odours that can sometimes arise from your holding tank. The good news is that there are several ways to get rid of the smell and prevent it from coming back. The first step is to identify the source of the odour – this could be anything from a full tank to a blocked vent or even a leak in your RV toilet. Once you know where the smell is coming from, you can take the appropriate steps to eliminate it. This could include anything from flushing your RV's water system and unclogging tank vents to using natural odour eliminators or deep-cleaning your bathroom.

Empty and clean your tanks

Emptying and cleaning your tanks is a crucial step in eliminating holding tank odours in your camper. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Ensure Your Tank is Empty

First, start by emptying your tank. This is a crucial step as it removes the waste and debris that could be contributing to the odour. If you suspect a clog in your tank, try filling it with freshwater and then dumping it out. If that doesn't work, you may need to use a DIY kit to flush your tank. Repeat this process until the water flowing out of the tank is clean.

Step 2: Rinse and Repeat

Once your tank is empty, it's time to give it a thorough rinse. Fill the tank back up with freshwater and dump it out again. Do this a few times to ensure that any remaining waste or odour-causing debris is removed.

Step 3: Use the Right Cleaning Products

After rinsing, it's time to break out the cleaning products. Add about a quarter of a tank of freshwater back into your holding tank, along with a tank cleaner. You can find specialised tank cleaners at RV supply stores or online. Follow the instructions on the product, and make sure to use the correct amount.

Step 4: Drive Around to Agitate the Tank

With the tank cleaner in, take your camper for a short drive. This will help agitate the water and cleaner, ensuring that it reaches all parts of the tank and breaks down any remaining odour-causing debris.

Step 5: Empty the Tank One More Time

Finally, empty the tank one last time. This will remove the tank cleaner and any loosened debris, leaving your tank fresh and odour-free.

Additional Tips:

• Remember to regularly clean your tank to prevent odours from building up.
• Always use septic-safe toilet paper. It breaks down quickly and helps prevent clogs.
• Keep your dump valves closed until your tank has water in it. This allows enough time for solids to break down properly.
• Use generous amounts of water when flushing to create an environment conducive to decomposition and prevent clogs.
• Clean your holding tank vents quarterly to prevent blockages.
• Rinse out your holding tank each time you dump to remove any remaining waste and odours.
• Periodically use a holding tank treatment to maintain a fresh-smelling tank.

Unclog tank vents

Unclogging your camper tank vents is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. The first step is to identify the location of the clog. This is usually the pipe sticking out of the tank and out through the roof, known as the vent stack. Once located, you can try the following methods to unclog the vent:

Using a Water Hose

This method involves putting a water hose into the vent and running water through it. Ensure that your holding tank is open so that the water and debris can drain out. This method is effective in clearing outdoor debris such as leaves that may be blocking the vent.

Using a Power Washer or Pressure Washer

If the clog is more severe, you can use a power washer or pressure washer. Insert the nozzle into the black water outlet and blast away to dislodge any blockages.

Using a Toilet Snake

If you don't have access to a power washer, a toilet snake can be an effective alternative. Feed the snake up into the black water vent until you feel resistance. Then, slowly start to crank the snake's handle clockwise and keep cranking until it goes inside. Repeat this process at least four to five times and then attempt to flush the black tank.

Utilizing Pressurized Air

If you have a can of compressed air, insert the nozzle into the black water tank vent pipe and blast it out. Repeating this method several times will help unclog the vent.

Using a Sewer Snake or Water Hose

If your camper tank vent is clogged, climb onto the roof and unclog the vent with a sewer snake or water hose. This will allow you to physically break up or remove the blockage causing the odour.

Check for bad seals

Checking for bad seals on your camper tank is an important step in preventing odours from developing. Leaky toilet seals can cause odours to emanate into your RV, so it's crucial to inspect and maintain your seals regularly. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Inspect the Seals:

Begin by thoroughly inspecting the seals on your camper tank. Look for any signs of damage, cracks, or deterioration. Pay close attention to the areas where the fixtures meet the roof or sidewalls, as these are common problem areas. If you notice any issues, make a note of them so you can address them later.

Clean the Seals:

Before testing or repairing the seals, it's essential to clean them properly. Using a solvent like acetone, carefully clean the seals to remove any dirt, grime, or old sealant. This will help you better assess the condition of the seals and prepare them for repair. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone.

Test the Seals:

To determine if the seals are in good condition, perform a simple test. Take a blunt pencil end and push it into the sealant. Good, intact seals will be pliable and soft, while bad seals will be dry, hard, and brittle. Additionally, use your fingers to push on the sealant and check for air pockets or movement. Well-sealed areas should be tight to the camper with no air pockets, and the sealant should not move.

Repair or Replace the Seals:

If you find any damaged or compromised seals, it's important to repair or replace them. Carefully remove the old sealant using a plastic scraper or putty knife. Make sure to clean the area with acetone again before applying new sealant. Choose a high-quality sealant suitable for RV use, such as Sikaflex 715 or Dicor self-levelling sealant for the roof, and Sikaflex 521 or Geocel MHRV for the exterior. Carefully apply the new sealant, following the manufacturer's instructions, and allow it to dry completely.

Seek Professional Help:

If you suspect a leak in your RV toilet seals, it's recommended to consult an RV professional. Internal toilet seals can be challenging to isolate and repair, so expert assistance may be necessary to ensure a proper fix.

Remember, regular inspection and maintenance of your camper tank seals are crucial to prevent odours and water intrusion. By following these steps, you can help ensure your seals are in good condition and effectively prevent unpleasant smells in your RV.

Use septic-safe toilet paper

Using septic-safe toilet paper is crucial to maintaining a pleasant odour-free environment in your camper tank. Here are some detailed instructions and tips on why and how to do this:

The type of toilet paper you use in your camper can significantly impact its odour levels. Unlike home plumbing systems, camper toilets flush directly into a holding tank, not a sewer system. Using toilet paper that doesn't dissolve quickly and completely can lead to clumps and blockages in the tank, resulting in unpleasant odours. Septic-safe toilet paper is designed to break down rapidly, preventing such issues.

How to Choose Septic-Safe Toilet Paper

To ensure your chosen toilet paper is truly septic-safe, look for specific characteristics and certifications:

• Dissolvability: The paper should dissolve quickly and completely when flushed. You can conduct a simple dissolvability test by placing a few sheets of the toilet paper in a jar of water and observing if it breaks down within 24 hours.
• Biodegradability: Opt for biodegradable toilet paper, which will dissolve faster and turn into smaller particles that are less likely to clog your system.
• Certifications: Look for toilet paper certified as septic-safe by a reputable organisation, such as the National Sanitation Foundation. This ensures the product has been properly tested.
• Eco-friendliness: Consider eco-friendly options made from bamboo or sugar cane, which are grasses that dissolve quickly and are gentle on the environment.
• Thickness and softness: While biodegradable and eco-friendly options may be thinner and less soft than regular toilet paper, you can find some brands that offer a balance between comfort and dissolvability.

Recommended Septic-Safe Toilet Paper Brands

When choosing septic-safe toilet paper, consider the following brands:

• Firebelly Outfitters: Their RV toilet paper is made in the USA and offers 2-ply softness with rapid dissolution, specifically designed for RV and marine systems.
• Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper: This 1-ply toilet paper is gentle on septic systems, unscented, and dissolves quickly. It is also sourced from sustainably managed forests.
• Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare: Cottonelle offers a 2-ply, absorbent, and strong toilet paper that is septic-safe and sewer-safe. It uses renewable plant-based fibres, making it biodegradable.
• Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper: Caboo's bamboo and sugar cane toilet paper is an eco-friendly and comfortable option that dissolves quickly, making it ideal for RV and septic systems. It is also free of toxic chemicals, parabens, and chlorine.
• Angel Soft: Angel Soft provides a scented option without adding fragrances to the paper itself. Instead, the roll's tube is scented, keeping your bathroom fresh without irritating your skin or affecting your septic tank.

By choosing septic-safe toilet paper and conducting simple tests to ensure its effectiveness, you can help maintain a fresh and odour-free environment in your camper tank.

Use tank treatments

Tank treatments are an effective way to get rid of odours in your camper tank. They work by promoting the production of aerobic ("good") bacteria in your tank, which produce an odourless byproduct – carbon dioxide. This helps to force out the anaerobic ("bad") bacteria that cause the unpleasant smells.

There are several products on the market that can help with this process, such as Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment, which is an advanced formula designed to tackle waste and odour challenges in your RV or marine holding tanks. Happy Campers is a powder that you sprinkle into your toilet or sink after filling it with water. You then stir until the powder is fully dissolved and flush it down the toilet, sink or shower drain. One scoop of Happy Campers is enough to treat a 40-gallon tank.

Another similar product is Fresh Wave, which is a natural odour eliminator with no toxic chemicals or perfumes. You can spray it in the air in your RV or place it on countertops and tabletops to absorb unwanted odours while you spend time outside.

When using tank treatments, it's important to follow the recommended instructions for your chosen product. Additionally, maintaining good tank habits, such as regularly cleaning your tank and using septic-safe toilet paper, will also help to prevent odours.

Frequently asked questions