Smell in back Closet Near Toilet?

antmagrat · 07-23-2008, 11:28 AM

Hi all,

I once had my black water tank get too full and run into my floor area in the back closet. I know, really gross, lesson learned the very hard way. I cannot get rid of the odor. (This happened 4 years ago). Only smells when wet but...

Tried Ammonia and lots of Lysol spray, what about bleach?

Other suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks,

ms

Isadora · 07-23-2008, 11:35 AM

Try a pet enzyme odor eliminator, you can get it at Walmart or most any grocery store. I like one by Woolite that is called Pet Oxygen. If it will get rid of pet smells, it should get rid of that smell too. I have poured it on full strength on my wood floor when I needed it and it works pretty well. Also you could try vinegar.

leopattie · 07-23-2008, 01:03 PM

I'd try some OxyClean... it seems to work wonders on, umm, "organic" type messes.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-23-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antmagrat

Hi all,

I once had my black water tank get too full and run into my floor area in the back closet. I know, really gross, lesson learned the very hard way. I cannot get rid of the odor. (This happened 4 years ago). Only smells when wet but...

Tried Ammonia and lots of Lysol spray, what about bleach?

Other suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks,

ms

You should find the sewer vent pipe cover gaskets, under the covers on the roof, are badly cracked.

Only a guess since you didn't mention the year of your trailer, which is always important.

Andy

antmagrat · 07-23-2008, 01:31 PM

Do you think I would screw up anything if I poured boiling water on the floor, the trailer is at a back slant in my driveway?

ms

antmagrat · 07-23-2008, 01:33 PM

My trailer is a 1966 Caravel.

ms

Bambi75th · 07-23-2008, 02:05 PM

You mentioned that it only smells when wet. How is it getting wet? I would think after 4 years any organics would be long gone. I think Andy's suggestion is a good one, look for some other source like a cracked vent pipe rather than the old spill.

antmagrat · 07-23-2008, 02:50 PM

I've got water leaks down under the furniture, when I run the back water it seeps into the closet, not much, just enough to reinvigorate the stink. How do you access the cracked vent pipe? "Under the covers on the roof?" Not sure where that is?

Thank again,

ms

Bambi75th · 07-23-2008, 03:15 PM

Are you sayng that you have an ongoing black water leak, or did I misunderstand you kast post?

antmagrat · 07-23-2008, 04:26 PM

No, the tank doesn't leak, but for instance when I run water in the kitchen sink it dribbles out the sides and the back of the trailer from the bottom.

2airishuman · 07-23-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antmagrat

... when I run water in the kitchen sink it dribbles out the sides and the back of the trailer from the bottom.

'66 caravels didn't come with a tank for wash water...

unless someone has added one and re-plumbed

kitchen sink water WILL dribble out the bottom.

cheers
2air'

**Stefrobrts** · 07-23-2008, 06:06 PM

In our 68 the sink water goes straight out the same pipe as the black tank valve is on. If the pipe is capped, then the water usually backs up into the shower pan first. Either way water shouldn't be getting into the closet, and it shouldn't be dribbling out the bottom. Sounds like something is broke in your plumbing that needs fixing before you worry any more about the closet floor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

'66 caravels didn't come with a tank for wash water...

unless someone has added one and re-plumbed

kitchen sink water WILL dribble out the bottom.

cheers
2air'

2airishuman · 07-23-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

...it shouldn't be dribbling out the bottom...

i agree, and was just using the o.p. terms for this.

the point is there is NO place for sink water to collect or be 'held'.

even with a good CAP (and gasket) over the exterior plumbing connection,

the few feet of drain pipe are NOT a good collection area for water.

this is a gravity drain/NO pressure pipe area and small leaks or poor sealing against even gravity water pressure is common...

just like when the sink trap is slow, and water can drip/leak from this area...

i've seen lots of folks try 'using' the 3 inch piping for storage of a few gallons of water...

and this almost always results in the dribbles.

NOW, given the o.p. has got fresh tank woes, along with this leak and back up odors, too...

a plumbing issue is very likely.

and they are leaving tomorrow for a trip!

cheers
2air'

Inland RV Center, In · 07-23-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antmagrat

No, the tank doesn't leak, but for instance when I run water in the kitchen sink it dribbles out the sides and the back of the trailer from the bottom.

You could have a cracked "collector."

New collectors have not been available for about 30 years.

We developed a method that allows a successful repair, using the jig that we created.

Andy