Campground sewer connection for black and gray water tank

Your RV Has A Sewer Smell? Here’s Why and How to Fix it!!

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Unnervingly, your RV has a sewer smell outside! Yuck! Camping is just not the same if your RV has a sewer smell that won’t stop! You might be annoying your neighbors as well if they are close enough. (Note this post does not cover sewer smells inside the RV)

Why does my RV smell like sewer outside?

The sewer smell outside of your RV could be the blackwater tank, the greywater tank, the vent stacks, the connections at the hookup, a leaking propane tank, or an overcharged battery.

Where to empty RV black water tanks at an RV dump station

In this article, we will dive into what causes an RV sewer smells and provide you with DIY solutions to rid you of that foul odor. The DIY fixes for the sewer smell are at the end of the post – so scroll down once you figure out where the smell is coming from.

Speaking of stinky questions, here are some related articles that may be helpful for you:

Why is There a Sewer Smell Outside my RV?

RV sewer line hooked up at campground
RV sewer line properly hooked up at the campground

The most common causes for a sewer smell outside your RV are typically due to a problem with either the blackwater tank or the greywater tank. The smell may also be caused by propane or an overcharged battery (which can be dangerous).

To keep things simple, we have chosen the most plausible reasons as to why you are experiencing that smell, and they include… (drumroll, please):

Why does my RV smell like sewer?

  1. Blackwater tank.
  2. Greywater tank.
  3. Leaking Propane
  4. Overcharged battery.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: first figure out where the smell is from. THEN keep reading below for the fix for each problem.

Sewer Smell from Problems with the Blackwater Tank

Blackwater and Greywater Holding Tank Labels on RV
The cause of some funny smells may be due to your RV’s blackwater or greywater tank

First of all, it’s important to understand that when we use the toilet in our RV – no matter which “number” we do – all that waste goes to the blackwater tank. It holds all the waste that comes from the toilet until you can adequately empty it at a sewer dumping station. Your RV blackwater tank will always smell slightly like a septic tank if you’re close enough, but it shouldn’t be that noticeable.

Keep in mind that the waste coming from the bathroom should be biodegradable, whether solid or liquid. Always ensure that the toilet paper used is septic or RV-safe.

Each of the waste holding tanks in your RV has a valve that you use to empty the tank’s contents, depending on which tank it is. Your RV comes with a built-in blackwater tank flush system. This system includes an inlet valve that allows you to pump fresh water into the tank to flush it. At the outlet there is a valve that you open to drain the contents.

To see if your blackwater tank is the culprit, check for the following:

  1. The dump valve is loose. When you were emptying at a dumping site, it is possible that the valves were not properly tightened afterward. It can lead to leakages when the tank starts filling up again, producing a foul odor outside the RV.
  2. A bad dumping valve. It either no longer tightens properly or loosens with time. This also will lead to leaks.
  3. A crack in the tank. There should be waste content or just water in the tank to check for a tank crack. Carefully inspect the tank, looking for wet spots as the crack may not be immediately noticeable depending on how big it is.

Next, we’ll discuss similarities between your blackwater and greywater tanks.

Sewer Smell from Problems with the Greywater Tank

Equally important as the blackwater tank, the greywater tank is another holding tank in your RV. This one contains everything from the bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and water from the tub or shower. Food particles coming from your kitchen sink are biodegradable and can emit very foul odors when degrading.

The greywater tank also has a valve for emptying its contents at the dumping station. As with the blackwater tank, you’ll want to check the following:

  1. The valve opens properly: The graywater tank generally is open at the campground and should flow freely to the hookup. If the water backs up and is stagnant, the tank could begin to smell.
  2. A loose graywater dump valve: Check the valves to see if someone didn’t appropriately tighten them after emptying them. Frequently the graywater tank is left open at the campsite and it would be easy to not close this all the way.
  3. Broken or worn out valve: The valve is generally a gate valve or ball valve that is seated in a seal. Check to see if the valve of the tank is bad and is causing leakage outside.
  4. Damage or cracks in the Tank: Check for cracks in the tank.

Sewer Smell From the Vents

Your RV has vent stacks in the bathroom, at the kitchen sink and any other place water is flushed into the tanks. The vents are there to allow the waste to flow down to the tanks and the air that is displaced to flow outside. Many people complain that the roof vents can give off the sewer smell, especially in warm air.

Depending on where the vents are the smell may be stronger. For example, in some RV models the sewer vent is right by the front door.

Keeping the tanks clean and dumped is essential to reducing the smell. Make sure to flush the toilet properly. Some people have found that flushing the toilet with 5 gallon pail of water reduces the smell. Ensuring the toilets and sinks are properly flushed and keeping enough water in the black tank will help.

When you are unable to dump frequently, there are plastic air admittance caps that you can add for plumbing systems with no vent stack.

Leaking Propane Stinks like Rotten eggs

Leaking propane will give off a rotten egg smell, whether inside or outside your RV. Proceed with caution if you think the propane is leaking.

A leak at the tank: Any place that has propane could cause this problem. The tank valve or regulator itself could be leakiing.

Leak in the Propane line: A leak in the lines between the tank and the appliances. Your RV may have a gas stove, furnace, water heater, and outside grill, that all run on propane. Any of the lines could have slight damage causing a hole or loosened connection.

An appliance is on: Appliances such as the stove or outside grill have nobs that are easily bumped and turned on without flame. You will smell the propane spilling out into the air if the burner is not lit.

A propane leak is dangerous due to the risk of carbon monoxide and explosion. If the leak is inside the camper, I hope that your carbon monoxide detector is working. Right now, be proactive and check your carbon monoxide detector and replace the batteries if necessary. Otherwise by a new dependable carbon monoxide detector. This combo one is a propane gas and carbon monoxide detector (amazon).

Finally, we will detail how to troubleshoot an overcharged RV battery.

Overcharged Battery could smell like sewage outside your RV

Many RVs use lead-acid batteries, which store electricity. For this reason, they contain lead and a liquid electrolyte composed of water and sulfuric acid (a form of hydrogen sulfide).

As a result, accidentally overcharging a lead-acid battery can cause this electrolyte to give off hydrogen and oxygen gases. These gases produce a pungent odor very similar to that of a sewer or rotten eggs.

To check for an overcharged battery, do the following:

  1. Check for overheating. Wear a glove to do this to prevent getting burned by electrolytes that may have leaked.
  2. A soundcheck. It usually has a simmering, bubbling, or boiling sound.
  3. A smell check. It should be the most obvious as the sewer smell will be strongest at that point. However, do not directly smell the battery. It should be obvious that the smell is not from the wastewater tanks and is near the place where the battery is.
  4. A swollen battery is also an indicator. In this case, do not touch the battery with bare skin and proceed with caution.
Weight distribution hitch and sway bar and battery cover on Travel Trailer RV
Check your batteries for signs of overcharging.

What Happens if my RV Battery Gets Overcharged?

An overcharged battery not only smells bad but is also very hazardous to both human health and the environment. It can lead to an excessive release of hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen sulfide gases into the surroundings.

This might get a few unpleasant reactions from the neighbors at your campsite.

It is vital to know if your battery is emitting hydrogen sulfide. Before reaching toxic levels, hydrogen sulfide may smell like sewage or rotten eggs. However, once it reaches acutely toxic levels, the gas can impede a person’s ability to smell its distinctive odor and may rapidly lead to unconsciousness.

When mixed in the air at the right levels, hydrogen sulfide can explode on contact with fire – a notorious campsite guest. Thus, the indicative “rotten egg” smell is more friend than foe here.

How Do You Fix A Sewer Smell In An RV?

Now that you know the three main causes of stinky RVs, you want to know how to fix them, right?
Rest assured, we have provided viable solutions for each of the issues above.

How to Fix RV Holding Tanks With Septic Smell

This fix applies to both your black and grey water tanks alike.

Loose dump valve: For a loose valve, simply tighten it and ensure that the valve is not faulty.

Faulty dump valve: After figuring out which tank valve is defective, you can use the following procedure for those that want to “DIY” it.

But first, you will need these essential tools:

Steps to Fix a Faulty RV Dump Valve

Protective geardisposable Nitrile (not latex) gloves (amazon),
chemical resistant safety glasses (amazon)
KN95 mask reduce exposure to germs (amazon)
LubricantPetroleum Jelly, WD-40.(amazon)
Sewer WrenchesRV sewer fitting wrench set for swivel fittings (amazon)
wrenchesAdjustable pipe wrenches (amazon)
Socket set (amazon)
Loosening and tightening toolFlathead or Phillips head screwdriver (amazon)
Two containersBucket, empty storage container, a can, etc.
RV tank flush valve warning
Before fixing a broken RV black or grey water holding tank, make sure it is properly flushed and cleaned out.
  • First, measure the diameter of your RV sewer pipe to determine its size (1.5″ or 3″) as you may need to purchase extra piping.
  • You may also need to purchase a new valve – make sure it comes with the T-handle and extension rod. There are many different types of valves, so you can work within your budget here.
  • Before you begin, be sure to have waterproof gloves! You want to prevent waste from the tanks getting on your hands and avoid the desire to burn your hands off.
  • Next you’ll want to place a bucket or empty container (preferably one that won’t be used by you or others again) beneath the junction where the pipe and valve join. Another bucket should be kept where the extension rod is. You will remove this piece, and wastewater could drip out.
  • The dump valve rests about 5 to 11 inches behind the sewer line where you dump your waste.
  • The tank should be adequately drained and flushed to remove any waste beforehand. It can be done multiple times if you want the system cleaner.
  • Then, using the appropriate tool, unscrew the bolts holding the dump valve in place. They are on the corners of the rectangular-shaped valve.
  • After the screws are removed, slip the old valve out and lift the entire piece out by hand. Some come with their two circular flanges pre-lubricated; if they aren’t, then apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to protect it when installing.
  • Read the instructions the valve came with, as some may not require lubrication.
  • The new dump valve comes in two parts with two round flanges meant to fit into each other. The flanges fit around each pipe connection on the dump valve’s sides to minimize friction between the dump valve and the sewer pipes.
  • Place your valve together and slide a flange over each pipe connection. Take the two halves of the valve and hold them together so that the pipes’ openings point away from the center. Then, slide the flanges over the two pipe connections.
  • Place the new dump valve between the waste pipes. Take the two halves of the valve and place them between the lines where the faulty valve was previously attached. Push the two tubes against the dump valve on both sides so that the pipes are flush with the valve’s openings.
  • Compress the valve and two pipes together. Ensure you line the screw slots on the valve up properly with the screw slots on the pipe frame. You should do it correctly to avoid any gaps that will cause a leak.
  • Concentrate during this step to give room for the extension rod to pull out.
  • Finish installing the valve by tightening the screws in place. Ensure to get a tight fit.

What to do After Replacing a Broken Valve

Campground sewer connection for black and gray water tank
Campground sewer connection for black and gray water tank
  • Do a check by running water or flushing an empty toilet to ensure your new valve isn’t leaking.
  • Carefully empty the bucket used during the installation into a septic tank marked out for dumping or flush it down your toilet.
  • Dispose of your gloves properly after you’re done by putting them into a plastic bag and tying or sealing the handles. Wash your hands thoroughly (with a disinfectant soap) under running water.

What To Do if Your RV has a Cracked Tank

In the case of a cracked tank, you should do the following:

  • Avoid using the toilets, sinks, and showers until the tank is fixed. Look for other alternatives like the campsite’s bathroom and toilets.
  • Use a bucket or an empty container to collect any leaking fluids.
  • Dig up any areas that the contents of the tank may have spilled into.
  • Shovel contaminated dirt into a heavy duty trash bag and dispose of it accordingly.
  • In any event, the best advice is to replace the tank. Unfortunately, we don’t all have a spare $250 – $800 lying around. The next best thing to do is fix it. A note of warning, though…there’s always the possibility of a fix failing.

How to Fix an Overcharged RV Battery to Remove Septic Smell

To mitigate this, do the following:

  • Wear protective gear! Eyewear, face shield, respirator, and acid-resistant hand gloves. You do not want to inhale or touch burning acid.
  • Ensure no fire source such as a campfire, grill, lighter, cigarette, etc., is around the area to avoid an explosion.
  • Disconnect the battery from its charger and gently lift it from its compartment.
  • To neutralize any spilled acid, use a neutralizing agent such as lime. If you don’t have any, one pound of soda ash or baking soda per gallon of water is a good alternative.
  • Make sure that the area surrounding the spill is completely neutralized as well. If you have any, use absorbent material like cat litter or absorbing clay to neutralize the area.
  • Keep used materials in an acid-resistant container or bag and store them away until you contact authorities to properly dispose of them.
  • Lastly, replace the battery with a new one.

RVs require a 12 Volt deep cycle RV or marine battery. First, ensure the that connections and wiring were not damaged by the old battery acid. If the compartment and connections are in good condition, a new battery can be connected. Batteries can be bought at local RV and auto shops. You can also order a battery online like this RV battery on Amazon.

Learn more about RV electrical systems:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I put bleach in my RV holding tanks?

Yes, you can. Bleach is a good sanitizing agent and will kill harmful bacteria in the tank. This should be done before storing for a long period.

However, bleach kills beneficial microbes in the tanks, which actively break down waste while the tanks are in use. So it’s better not to use bleach when you are using the tanks.

I prefer to use a tank treatment. I have tried a lot of different kinds and this drop in is my favorite blackwater holding tank treatment (amazon)

Does overfilling RV tanks cause leaks?

Yes, an overfilled holding tank can cause leakages, and the tanks should be emptied and monitored to ensure that was the cause.

Also, flushing the backwater tank without opening the dump valve will cause backup (I know from experience)

Can I still use an overcharged lead-acid RV battery?

No, its dangerous!

You should not reuse an overcharged lead-acid RV battery. An overcharged battery is no longer usable and should be disposed of properly.

Less Common Reasons for Sewer Smell Outside RV

While the causes mentioned above are likely culprits of a sewer smell outside your RV, they aren’t necessarily the only ones.

Leaking propane tanks, busted sewer pipes, or even nearby natural hot springs can all cause a septic smell. So, if you’ve checked all of the causes in this article and still haven’t located the scent source, try looking towards those other options. Are there other causes you can think of? Do let us know.

In conclusion, whatever interesting or mundane encounters have happened during your travels, it is a great idea to bring along an RV Journal and planner to help you keep track of your journeys. Check our Etsy store and print some off today!

Here are a few other articles that may help answer some of your burning questions about RVing:

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    Shauna Kocman founder of Family Travel Fever

    Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  We travel with kids and extended family.  I take the kids by myself sometimes because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

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    3 Comments

    1. My wife and I could not figure out where the smell outside of our travel trailer was coming from. We check out tanks, drained and refilled, still the smell. You article solved it within minutes, yep, the battery. Not only did we find the smell, but it really was a hazard also, can’t imagine what might have happened if we hadn’t found it before it exploded or worse, breathing too much of it. Thanks a ton!

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