Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nClimb to the roof and clear any debris that could have blocked the vent opening. After that, get a garden hose and run some water into the main opening of the vent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this doesn\u2019t clear the problem, you may need to clean the vent pipe and clear out further blockage that is out of reach. You can also use a plumber\u2019s snake or auger to go deeper down the vent pipe if needed. After that, you can continue running some more water and see if it is now pushed down the drain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do not feel comfortable working on the roof and with the vent pipe, you can take your RV into the repair shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> Problems in plumbing vents usually affect all the drains including those that are connected to the black water tank. This means aside from sluggish shower drains, there will be other signs like strange gurgling toilet sounds. You may also notice a strong sewage smell as a blocked plumbing vent won\u2019t be able to properly handle the airflow.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
P-trap Below the Shower is Clogged<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNot many RV owners, especially those who are new to the community, know about the shower P-traps. This is the u-shaped pipe that can be easily spotted under the sink. The P-trap holds a small amount of water in it to seal the sewer gas from making its way up the pipe. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA shower P-trap is similar to that of the sink. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt could be one solid piece or an extension pipe attached to the J-bend pipe right beneath the drain hole of the shower. It is used to ensure that the water drains effectively and that the smells and fumes are kept down below. However, as with the sink P-traps, it can get clogged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have had problems with the P-trap in the shower before. The water would sit right at the top of the drain and not fully drain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nChecking on the P-trap is usually the last resort. That is if all the possible reasons are exhausted and yet the shower still won\u2019t drain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTo remove the clog, you can try cleaning the pipes with a plumber’s snake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Try pouring a mixture of warm water, Dawn dish detergent and vinegar in. And then, try using a bristle brush to reach the area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n If this still doesn\u2019t work, you can try using an RV drain cleaner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Should your RV have an access door, you can try tightening the fittings on the drain trap or just remove the pipe and clean it before putting it back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve done all these and it\u2019s still clogged, it\u2019s best to ask for professional help instead of going through all the trouble of gaining access to it. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nPro tip: <\/strong>This may be a no-brainer but it\u2019s best to avoid buildup in the trap by regularly cleaning it. Not only can this prevent your drain from clogging, but it also serves as a filter to the nasty smell down below.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Your Shower Drains into the Black Water Tank.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n This is highly unlikely but if – by some chance – this is the case for your RV, it\u2019s important to know about this as soon as possible. This would mean your black tank is full and blackwater is backing up in your tub. That’s just plain gross. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, another camper fixture is designed to drain into the black water tank. <\/strong>This can be especially confusing and honestly not recommended by many. Black and gray water tanks are separated for a lot of reasons, most especially, to maintain sanitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, there are 2 instances when this has happened to me. Older RVs, like the vintage travel trailer I owned, may have only one tank. The current Jayco bunkhouse I own is newer but the outdoor sink drains to the blackwater tank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Solution: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can easily assess whether or not your RV has this unfortunate feature. First, drain your gray water tank while leaving the blackwater valve closed. Then switch and open the black water drain valve. Just make sure to completely empty both holding tanks and see if this does the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip: <\/strong>Even when you\u2019ve got your shower drain problem solved, you might want to be extra sure if this is due to your plumbing system leading your shower drain to the black water tank. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis gives you a better understanding as to how to handle your water drainage in the future, as well as know if there are other fixtures attached to the black water tank. To do this, leave the drain valve at the sewer connection open on either tank before running in some water through the shower drain. See which tank the water would flow through and repeat on other drains, like the kitchen sink.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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