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Old 01-29-2012, 10:01 AM   #1
subra1228
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Gray tank smell under kitchen sink

I've noticed I have a constant strong egg like smell under my kitchen sink. I noticed there is some kind of vent cap (with a spring and rubber diaphragm) connect to the sink drain pipe. I removed this cap and wow the smell got worse. So the holding tank smell is definitely leaking through this vent cap.

So why is there a tank vent under my sink? To fix this is it as easy as replacing this cap or should I just cap this pipe so it can't vent?

I have a 2011 Montana High Country.

Thanks!!
 
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Old 01-29-2012, 10:21 AM   #2
WaltandLynne
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It sounds like the cap you're talking about really is a vent. They do a vent under the sink instead of running a vent out through the roof. It has to be there to balance air pressure in the drainage system for your kitchen. Capping the vent will make emptying your grey tank difficult because it will be difficult/impossible to get air into the system as the water drains from the tank. If you take the vent off, check to see if the parts are clean and sealing completely so it keeps the smell from coming into the cabinet. If the holding tank was overfilled, debris may have held the vent open allowing the smell in.

Good luck and let us know what you find

Walt
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Old 01-29-2012, 10:40 AM   #3
DQDick
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Make sure the diaphragm isn't damaged and is seated correctly and the spring is in it's proper place. When it's seated right the diaphragm will keep the smell in the tank, but let air in when it needs it. These aren't unique to RV's, mobile homes have them at times and even stick homes and businesses use them when they added plumbing and couldn't or didn't want to vent to thru the roof.
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Old 01-29-2012, 10:40 AM   #4
Ozz
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Walt is right on. See if you can spray it with WD-40 and rap it with a screwdriver handle, I think it just isn't seating.
There is just a weak spring on it.
I would replace it if it won't seat. You CAN cover it with a plastic bag and rubber-band it on, remove it when draining the tank, until you can fix/replace it.
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Old 01-29-2012, 02:36 PM   #5
subra1228
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Thanks everyone for all your information. It was very helpful.

I took the vent off again and examined the diaphragm and spring. Both seem to be ok. There are no particles interfering with the rubber diaphragm and the spring has some tension but I'm wondering if it is enough. I think I'll take the vent to an RV dealership and compare it to a new one to be sure it is functioning correctly. I'll be sure to seal the pipe when I do that. I'll let you know what I learn later this week.

Thanks again! Brad
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Old 02-01-2012, 12:59 AM   #6
Ishler
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Most hardware and building supply stores carry these vents.
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Old 02-23-2012, 05:07 AM   #7
subra1228
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I finally got a new vent valve from a local dealer (it took them a while to get in). These new replacements did not have springs to hold the diaphragm closed. So I told the parts guys these are even worse than the current one that I'm using. He agreed they won't work either. I'm done trying to find a replacement. I'm going to cap it off and call it good. The parts guys said this was OK to do but that I might experience the tank draining a little slower or the water from the p-trap might get pulled through. So I need to add a little water down the sink afterwards.
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Old 02-23-2012, 06:19 AM   #8
southern thunder
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I have seen several additives to remove odors from the gray tanks also. I have thought about using one before it becomes a problem.
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Old 02-23-2012, 11:13 AM   #9
sreigle
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If you're leaving the dump valve open for that tank you might try leaving it closed except when dumping. Otherwise if that cap is leaking you're getting odors directly from the external sewer system.
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Old 02-23-2012, 07:55 PM   #10
Weldon
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As you have found out sometimes a gray tank can smell worse than a black tank. I would add something to help the smell; a lot of the stuff you put in the black says for gray also. Just a though.
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Old 02-24-2012, 01:51 AM   #11
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Long shot, but if the sink is draining slower than usual, you might have some crap caught in the p-trap under the sink
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Old 02-24-2012, 02:03 AM   #12
awaywego
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My 2001 had the same problem with fumes under the counter. I found that if I put something under the sewer hose to raise it up it was like a trap keeping water in the hose and kept the odor from coming into the trailer. I used a short piece of 2x4 or sometimes a rock.
The AC return would pull the fumes through the vent as well as the fantastic fan.
Worked for me hope it helps you.
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Old 02-24-2012, 02:47 AM   #13
richfaa
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The galley tank can be as bad as the black tank and should be treated the same.We keep our galley tank closed and only open when dumping same as the black tank. Also use odor control.
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Old 03-07-2012, 03:07 AM   #14
berridge
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I solved our sink smell by taking off the drain pipes under both the kitchen sinks and cleaning the gunk out of then using soap and a bit of bleach. Fittings are hand tight so no tools necessary.
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