The dreaded bathroom smell May 19, 2009, 05:24:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102465I need to ask the LD community about what is becoming a serious issue with my family. They are beginning to call our 95 LD30 "The Big Rolling Stink. Regardless of the level of liquid in the black holding tank, and regardless of the chemical I use, when the RV is moving down the highway and I have a vent open, the holding tank smell permeates the interior. I always leave the back vent open, I have a Max vent cover on it. The other time I am aware of the problem is if I roll down the drivers side window while underway. I am assuming the the venturi effect from the window or the vent is creating a negative pressure in the RV and sucking the fumes out of the tank, through the toilet and into the interior. Is it possible that the large ball valve at the toilet base is now leaking? If it is replaced will the problem be solved? Can there be a leak anywhere else? While at Giant RV, I purchased a venturi device that goes on the top of the roof vent. It looks like a backwards scoop and it weather vanes in the wind. I am yet to install it, but I am a bit skeptical that it will create enough of a vacuum to overcome the pressure differential to keep the RV interior sweet smelling. Thanks ahead of time for any constructive comments. Frankly any comments!Analog Ed
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #1 – May 19, 2009, 05:41:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102467We, and several others we know, have been afflicted with the dreaded potty fragrance. The answer for us was to put one of the inexpensive venturi's on the vent pipe. Problem solved. They work like a charm. The one we bought was a simple t-shaped pipe that attached to the top of the vent pipe. I see that there are several different types available now.Dick
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #2 – May 19, 2009, 06:09:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102470"Is it possible that the large ball valve at the toilet base is now leaking? " If it's holding water, it's not leaking air from the tank. That's what a water seal in a toilet is meant to do. There should be at least half an inch of water in the toilet at all times--even eight or ten hours after flushing. On the other hand, if the seal's *not* holding water, then it most likely is leaking air, causing bad smells. "While at Giant RV, I purchased a venturi device that goes on the top of the roof vent. It looks like a backwards scoop and it weather vanes in the wind." I picked up one of those at Walmart a couple of months ago. It looks like a good idea, and I know a couple of people who own them and like them. But in my case, the unit I bought (I'm sorry, but I can't remember the brand) had a pipe diameter that was too small to go outside the LD's vent pipe and too large to go inside. After a good deal of head-scratching, I just could not come up with a way to attach it, so I gave it away. If anyone here has installed one of these, I'd be interested in knowing the details, including the brand and model number.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #3 – May 19, 2009, 06:21:28 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102471Ed, Check out post # 16668. We had a "smell" problem also in our 1995 TK, since it's the same year as yours, this may help. We sealed the 2 holes as outlined in the referenced post and that solved our problem.Hope this helps, Bob C. Albuquerque, NM
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #4 – May 19, 2009, 06:38:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102472Hey Andy maybe next time a mismatch on diameters comes up, you might try a no-hub band, which is used primarily on connecting cast iron pipe/fittings together. Inside soft rubber gasket, outside two sometimes three ss bands.
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #5 – May 19, 2009, 07:19:28 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102473QuoteAndy, Any water that I put into the bowl is gone within an hour. I usually try to leave 3/4 inch of water in the bowl, but it is gone soon after. So I guess I now know what the problem is. What does it take to change out the ball valve? My thought of a vacuum in the tank by adding something on the roof hold any value? Is it a DIY kind of project?Thanks for responses. Analog EdQuoteHey Andy maybe next time a mismatch on diameters comes up, you might try a no-hub band, which is used primarily on connecting cast iron pipe/fittings together. Inside soft rubber gasket, outside two sometimes three ss bands.--- On Tue, 5/19/09, Andy Baird wrote: From: Andy Baird Subject: [LD] Re: The dreaded bathroom smell To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 3:08 PM"Is it possible that the large ball valve at the toilet base is now leaking? " If it's holding water, it's not leaking air from the tank. That's what a water seal in a toilet is meant to do. There should be at least half an inch of water in the toilet at all times--even eight or ten hours after flushing. On the other hand, if the seal's *not* holding water, then it most likely is leaking air, causing bad smells. "While at Giant RV, I purchased a venturi device that goes on the top of the roof vent. It looks like a backwards scoop and it weather vanes in the wind." I picked up one of those at Walmart a couple of months ago. It looks like a good idea, and I know a couple of people who own them and like them. But in my case, the unit I bought (I'm sorry, but I can't remember the brand) had a pipe diameter that was too small to go outside the LD's vent pipe and too large to go inside. After a good deal of head-scratching, I just could not come up with a way to attach it, so I gave it away. If anyone here has installed one of these, I'd be interested in knowing the details, including the brand and model number.Andy Baird http://www.andybair d.com/travels/[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #6 – May 19, 2009, 07:25:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102474"I am assuming the the venturi effect from the window or the vent is creating a negative pressure in the RV and sucking the fumes out of the tank, through the toilet and into the interior"Ed May I suggest that you keep the vent and windows closed and use the dash vent for ventilation until you solve this problem. You may have a leaky holding tank vent pipe or a poor seal between the toilet and the floor. Check the vent pipe where it passes through the interior, from the floor to the ceiling, for a loose or broken fitting. I have seen vent pipes that have pull out of the tank, venting directly into the interior. Make sure the toilet mounting bolts are tight. Start by checking to see if the toilet can be rocked or moved. Pull the plastic cover off the toilet and make sure the stainless-steel hose clamp is tight. Andy already told you about the seal needing to hold water.A vent fan or venturi should make a positive difference.Larry
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #7 – May 19, 2009, 07:32:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102475"I now know what the problem is.EdYou posted while I was responding in my previous message It is a DIY project. Flush and clean the tank before starting. A good RV shop will have the kit. Make sure to have the model number when buying. The ball usually does not need replacing unless it is scored or deeply scratched. The common kit just replaces the Teflon seal and rubber washer.Larry
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #8 – May 19, 2009, 08:47:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102476Ed, Consider this home remedy before you purchase a kit. See message 91033.Malcolm Blue02MB
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #9 – May 19, 2009, 11:56:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102477Quote "I need to ask the LD community about what is becoming a serious issue with my family. They are beginning to call our 95 LD30 "The Big Rolling Stink."Analog Ed Ed, you may have found your problem, but don't rule out the vacuum trap. See this link: http://tinyurl.com/pmt7jz I use the RV 360 venturi device and it has helped significantly. I have installation photos if anyone is interested.Chris
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #10 – May 20, 2009, 12:18:31 am Yahoo Message Number: 102478"I use the RV 360 venturi device and it has helped significantly. I have installation photos if anyone is interested."Chris Do you have the old rotating tail style or the new type that looks similar to a standard vent cover?Larry
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #11 – May 20, 2009, 01:56:46 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102482http://tiny.cc/UgXcB In case someone might be interested in building their own.Ellen"Do you have the old rotating tail style or the new type that looks similar to a standard vent cover?"Larry[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #12 – May 21, 2009, 12:05:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102507Quote "I use the RV 360 venturi device and it has helped significantly. I have installation photos if anyone is interested."Chris "Do you have the old rotating tail style or the new type that looks similar to a standard vent cover?"Larry The old one. I see on the Website that the old one is no longer available; they are promoting the "360 Siphon". http://www.rv-360.com/Chris
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell Reply #13 – May 21, 2009, 12:30:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102509QuoteI purchased the Camco unit that looks much like the old RV360. Haven't installed it yet. Would I be better off with the new "360 Siphon"? I do like the low profile look of it. And also I appreciate all the helpfull comments I have received on this original post. It turns out that the water seal looks like its in tact, will install a roof siphon once I figure out which one will suit my needs. The existing roof vent is looking a bit haggerd, its rusted away on one side of top of the tube. I was hoping to just mount the new "siphon" right on over the top of the existing vent. That way I don't need to interupt the existing seal to the roof. Does that sound correct? Chris, Thanks for the comment on the vent that is at each sink before the gray holding tank. Would there be the same thing for the shower? And where do you suppose it would be located. Analog EdQuote from: Larry W""I use the RV 360 venturi device and it has helped significantly. I have installation photos if anyone is interested."Chris "Do you have the old rotating tail style or the new type that looks similar to a standard vent cover?"Larry The old one. I see on the Website that the old one is no longer available; they are promoting the "360 Siphon". http://www.rv-360.com/Chris
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell - to Analog Ed Reply #14 – May 21, 2009, 07:50:54 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102522Quote "...Chris, Thanks for the comment on the vent that is at each sink before the gray holding tank. Would there be the same thing for the shower? And where do you suppose it would be located." Analog Ed Ed, look at the link I posted. It shows where the vacuum trap is and if you shine a flashlight under the bathroom and kitchen sinks, you'll see the vacuum trapat about the same place it shows in the article. At least that's the where they are in my '02 30'. I surely would hate to have to change either of them as there is no space to work in the bathroom under the sink and the kitchen one is way back in the corner behind everything. At one time I thought mine had failed in the kitchen because I kept smelling odors from under the sink; however, once I controlled my toilet odor with the RV 360 and using Always Fresh , it disappeared.Chris
Re: The dreaded bathroom smell - to Analog Ed Reply #15 – May 21, 2009, 08:24:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 102523Quote "...Chris, Thanks for the comment on the vent that is at each sink before the gray holding tank. Would there be the same thing for the shower? And where do you suppose it would be located." Analog Ed Ed, look at the link I posted. It shows where the vacuum trap is and if you shine a flashlight under the bathroom and kitchen sinks, you'll see the vacuum trapat about the same place it shows in the article. At least that's the where they are in my '02 30'. I surely would hate to have to change either of them as there is no space to work in the bathroom under the sink and the kitchen one is way back in the corner behind everything. At one time I thought mine had failed in the kitchen because I kept smelling odors from under the sink; however, once I controlled my toilet odor with the RV 360 and using Always Fresh , it disappeared.Chris
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