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01-29-2012, 10:01 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Portland
Posts: 291
M.O.C. #10766
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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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01-29-2012, 10:21 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: St. Clair Shores
Posts: 389
M.O.C. #10151
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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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01-29-2012, 10:40 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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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.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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01-29-2012, 10:40 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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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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01-29-2012, 02:36 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Portland
Posts: 291
M.O.C. #10766
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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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02-01-2012, 12:59 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ontario
Posts: 722
M.O.C. #1328
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Most hardware and building supply stores carry these vents.
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Mike & Donna Ishler Ontario, NY KE2LU FN13
2017 3720RL TST S637's
2017 Dodge 3500 Laramie CTD 4x4 Auto
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02-23-2012, 05:07 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Portland
Posts: 291
M.O.C. #10766
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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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02-23-2012, 06:19 AM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Homosassa
Posts: 307
M.O.C. #12211
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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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02-23-2012, 11:13 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
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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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02-23-2012, 07:55 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Angelo
Posts: 115
M.O.C. #11213
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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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02-24-2012, 01:51 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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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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Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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02-24-2012, 02:03 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Midlothian
Posts: 956
M.O.C. #40
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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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02-24-2012, 02:47 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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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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03-07-2012, 03:07 AM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: St Catharines
Posts: 176
M.O.C. #6415
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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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