Eliminating Septic Smells In Campers: A Comprehensive Guide

If your camper smells like sewage, there are several possible causes and solutions. The septic smell could be due to a clog in the RV toilet, shower drain, or sink, which can be resolved by unclogging the drain and using enzyme-based drain openers or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. It could also be caused by a dirty toilet and flapper, which can be cleaned with a wet rag, or a broken wax ring, which may need to be replaced. Additionally, the black or grey water tank may not have been flushed, leading to waste buildup and odour. Emptying and cleaning these tanks regularly is crucial. Other potential causes include a sink drain vent issue, a dried-out floor drain trap, a loose cleanout access plug, or a clogged plumbing vent on the roof. To prevent septic odours, it is important to maintain the proper balance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in your RV's holding tank and to avoid flushing non-biodegradable items.

Unclog your RV toilet, shower drain, and sink

RV plumbing is more sensitive than the plumbing in a typical home. Black and grey tanks can easily become clogged with waste, food, hair, or grease. Clogs will render your RV toilet unusable and can result in smelly grey water backing up in your sinks and shower.

Unclogging your RV toilet

First, make sure the real problem is not a valve issue. Sometimes the handle of the drain valve will move without opening the inside gate. If your valve is open and functioning correctly but your tank still won't drain, you likely have a clog. A "poop pyramid" is a common issue in RV black tanks, and this occurs when you forget to close the black valve after dumping, thus leaving solid waste behind to accumulate in the tank. Waste then builds on top of this initial layer until the tank is blocked. Another cause of clogs is using the wrong type of toilet paper.

There are several methods to clear a clog:

• Boil 1-2 pots of water, turn off the water connection, pour the hot water into the toilet, and let it sit overnight. If necessary, add another pot the next day.
• Try hot water with a drain opener or other additives, such as dishwashing detergent. Avoid caustic chemicals such as Drano or bleach, which can damage your tank and seals.
• Use a drain snake or toilet auger. Make sure to use a hand-operated auger to avoid puncturing your plumbing.
• Try a flush valve in combination with the hot water or drain chemical methods.

Unclogging your RV shower drain

First, check if the grey water tank is full. If the tank is full, try emptying it. If the tank is not full, you likely have a clog.

To unclog the shower drain:

• Plunge the shower with sitting water in it with a sink plunger.
• Pour an enzyme-based drain opener designed for RV use down the drain and let it sit overnight. Run hot water down the drain the next morning. Plunge the shower drain if the clog remains.
• Make your own drain opener using 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Look down the drain with a flashlight to see if you can identify the clog. If you can see an object or hairball causing the clog, try to remove it with a coat hanger wire.

Unclogging your RV sink

First, check the grey water tank, just like with unclogging a shower drain.

The first place to check is the kitchen downpipe. Place a catch pan under the p-trap under the sink and remove the p-trap. If the water drains, there is no clog in this section. If it doesn't, use tweezers or a sturdy wire to clear out the drain.

Check the p-trap for standing water. If there is, snake the drain or use chemicals to clear out the clog. Check the drain from the end of the p-trap to the grey water tank for standing water. If there is, you can also snake this drain or use chemicals to clear out the clog.

Replace a broken wax ring on your RV toilet

A broken wax ring can cause a septic smell in your camper. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace a broken wax ring on your RV toilet:

Step 1: Drain, Dry and Disconnect

Turn off the water supply line leading from the wall to the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain excess water from the bowl and tank. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the bowl. If you don't have a wet/dry vacuum, a plunger can also work. Then, use a large sponge to remove any leftover moisture from the tank and bowl so you have a dry working area. Next, disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the toilet tank. There will be a little water in the line, so have your bucket handy to catch it.

Step 2: Remove the Toilet

Remove the protective caps covering the bolts at the base of the toilet, then remove the bolts and washers using an adjustable wrench. The toilet is now only being held in place by gravity and what remains of the crumbling wax ring. You can gently rock and twist the toilet to loosen it. When you’re ready, lift the toilet with a good grip near the centre so that the weight of the bowl and the tank is distributed evenly. Set the toilet to the side.

Step 3: Scrape Off Old Wax Ring

Using a putty knife, remove as much of the old wax ring as possible from both the bottom of the toilet and the pipe fitting in the floor (called the toilet flange). Clean and dry the flange completely before preparing to install the new wax ring. If the flange appears damaged, call a plumber for an assessment before proceeding.

Step 4: Install New Wax Ring

Some wax rings are self-adhesive, so refer to the instructions on your packaging. Most wax rings can either be affixed to the bottom of the toilet or to the top of the flange, allowing you to choose whichever you’re more comfortable with. With the wax ring centred in place, carefully lower the toilet onto the flange, making sure that the bolt holes in the toilet’s base line up with the holes in the flange.

Step 5: Reinstall the Toilet

Close the toilet lid and sit down, using your body weight to compress the wax ring and push the toilet into place. Shift your weight around several times to complete this process. In the end, you want the base of your toilet to be flush with the floor. Now, replace the mounting bolts and bolt covers, reattach the water supply line to the tank and reopen the supply line valve.

Step 6: Test the Toilet

Give the toilet a couple of test flushes while carefully inspecting for any signs of leaks. If you don’t see any leaks, consider using caulk to seal the toilet to the flooring, leaving a small 1-inch opening in the far back of the bowl. That way, you can check this area to find future leaks.

Clean the flapper and toilet

To clean the flapper and toilet, start by getting a wet rag and wiping down the whole toilet, from top to bottom. Pay special attention to the rim and the top and bottom of the drop seat, as waste and toilet paper can get stuck there and decompose, creating a sewer smell.

Next, check the seal between the toilet and the floor. If the toilet has been shifted or the seal is worn, gases can escape from the tank at the toilet base. Try snugging the toilet base hold-down bolts. Do not overtighten. If the seal is torn, you will need to replace it.

If your camper has a spray nozzle, use it to rinse down any extra waste. If not, you can fill the tank with water and flush.

Empty black water and grey water tanks

Emptying the black water and grey water tanks is a crucial step in eliminating septic smells from your camper. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Prepare for Tank Emptying:

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools, including hoses, disposable gloves, and a sewer adapter. It is also recommended to position your camper as close to the dump station as possible for a smoother process.

Emptying the Black Water Tank:

• Start by dumping the black water tank first. The black water tank holds waste, and it's essential to empty it first to prevent potential clogs or cross-contamination.
• Attach your hose to the dump station before connecting it to the black water tank to avoid accidental spillage.
• Open the black water tank valve and let it empty completely.
• Once emptied, fill the toilet with water and flush to rinse out the tank. Alternatively, if your camper has a built-in black water rinse tank, use that for rinsing. Do not use a fresh water hose for this step.

Emptying the Grey Water Tank:

• After emptying the black water tank, move on to the grey water tank. The grey water tank holds water from showering or washing dishes.
• Open the grey water tank valve and empty its contents.
• If you notice any clogs or slow drainage, you can use a plunger or enzyme-based drain opener designed for RVs to clear the blockage.
• It is important to note that you should not use CO2 capsules, high-pressure air, or high-pressure water through the system, as it may damage the pipes or joints.

Flushing and Cleaning the Tanks:

• After emptying both tanks, it's essential to flush and clean them to prevent odours and maintain proper functioning.
• Fill both the black water and grey water tanks about two-thirds to three-quarters full with water. This ensures that any cleaning agents you use will reach all parts of the tank.
• For the grey water tank, mix 1/2 cup of OxiClean with 2 cups of hot water and add it to the partially filled tank. Driving with this mixture will allow it to swish around and clean the tank effectively.
• For the black water tank, add 2 cups of liquid bleach and let it sit for about 10 minutes before draining. Repeat this process until no solid debris comes through the hose. Alternatively, you can use laundry soap and a bottle of pine sol instead of bleach if you prefer.
• Always fill both tanks at least two-thirds full with fresh water after flushing.
• To promote the breakdown of waste and reduce odours, add an enzyme treatment to your black water tank. Look for treatments specifically designed for RV or camper toilets, such as Pure Power Holding Tank Treatment, Rid-X, or Camco’s TST RV toilet treatment.
• Remember to pour or drop the enzyme treatment into a partially filled tank, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tips for Preventing Septic Smells:

• Avoid emptying your black water tank too frequently. It is recommended to wait until it is full to ensure all solid waste is removed.
• Keep dump valves closed, even when hooked up to sewage systems. Opening the valves can allow odours to seep back into the camper or vents.
• Only open the valves when dumping or flushing to minimize odour escape.
• Regularly clean and maintain your holding tanks to prevent waste buildup and corrosion of tanks, pipes, or hoses.
• If you empty and thoroughly flush your tanks each time you use your camper, a deep cleaning every couple of months should be sufficient to maintain proper functioning and odour control.

Flush and clean tanks

Flushing and cleaning your camper's tanks is an important step in removing septic smells. This process involves several steps, including filling the tanks, using cleaning agents, and properly dumping and rinsing the tanks.

Firstly, it is important to fill your grey and black water tanks to a certain level before cleaning. For the grey water tank, fill it to about 2/3 full with water. Then, add cleaning agents such as 1/2 cup of OxiClean and 2 cups of hot water. Driving around with this mixture will allow it to swish around and effectively clean the inside of the tank.

For the black water tank, a different approach is needed. Add two cups of liquid bleach to the tank and let it sit for about 10 minutes before draining. Repeat this process until no solid debris comes through the hose. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use laundry soap and a bottle of pine sol instead of bleach. Let the mixture sit for about an hour before draining.

Always remember to fill both tanks at least 2/3 full with fresh water after flushing. Additionally, it is important to add an enzyme treatment to your black water tank to aid in waste decomposition and odour control. There are various treatment options available specifically for RV or camper toilets, such as Pure Power Holding Tank Treatment, Rid-X, and Camco's TST RV toilet treatment.

When it comes to dumping and rinsing your tanks, there are a few important steps to follow. Before dumping, ensure you have the proper tools, including hoses, disposable gloves, and a sewer adapter. Position your camper as close to the dump station as possible. Start by dumping the black water tank first. Attach your hose to the dump station before connecting it to the black water tank to avoid accidental spills. After emptying the black water tank, fill the toilet with water and flush to rinse, or use a built-in black water rinse tank if available. Do not use a fresh water hose for this step. Finally, open and empty the grey water tank.

Frequently asked questions