That smell is back!

[richard waters]

It's that time of year. Warm weather is upon us
and so is the smell from our GMC!

The problem seems to be a leaky connection
between the shower drain and the holding tank
of our '76 Palm Beach. At least that is my theory.

Here's what happens. When I dump the "infamous
recirculating toilet" a second time (it holds about 7
gallons when full) a small amount backs up from the
shower drain. Not a big deal because I've learned
only to dump the toilet more then once at a dumping
station. There I have a hose handy to hose down the
bath module. Besides the water backing up into the shower
I will usually find water leaking under the coach.

I think that black water is leaking out someplace on top
of the holding tank and causing our odor.

Does anyone know how I can inspect the area between
the bottom of the shower module and the top of the holding
tank to see where it is leaking?

The aroma is not too inviting and is starting to cause my wife
to have second thoughts about going on any extended trips in the
GMC.

Comments and/or suggestions will certainly be appreciated.
Richard Waters '76 PB, Troy, MI
-retirement in 12-13 years with luck!

 

[richard waters]

I guess I should count on a reply from you Emery! Thanks
for taking the time. Maybe our paths will pass if you go
through SE Michigan on your trip this Summer.

Anyway, I should consider the possibility there are solids
trapped in my holding tank. It does seem to fill up rather quickly.
I saw some discarded holding tanks in the back of Cinnabar
last week when I picked up my GMC. I was amazed at how
shallow they are. So possibility I have a problem there.

That coupled with a leak and I could have problems.

I refrain from dumping until I know I'm full. Maybe the
previous owner messed up, but he had the coach for 18 years
and I think he knew what he was doing.

So I'll take a peek like you suggest and look into the archives and
see about how to clean the tank out.
Thanks,
Richard

>
> Does anyone know how I can inspect the area between
> the bottom of the shower module and the top of the holding
> tank to see where it is leaking? >>
>
> Hi Richard -- I assume that you have a fiberglas side bath module. There is
> a small panel across the face of the module just under the door. it is
> fastened with some screws on each end. Pull this and you have access (albeit
> limited) to the shower drain pipe and the top of the tank. If it is a
> cracked pipe, you might be able to use a radiator hose with stainless steel
> clamps to mend it.
>
> Unless your tank is full I don't see how it could back up out of the top of
> the tank. Fumes certainly could get through but until the liquid is at the
> top of the tank you should not get liquid in that area. You might want to
> flush out the tank. It sounds as if you might have it full of solids. This
> is more common when you have a chemical toilet since you don't put through as
> much water. There should be several postings in the archives about cleaning
> solids from the tank. Whatever you do, if you are at a campground with a
> sewer connection, don't leave your valve open all the time. This causes the
> liquids to drain off and the solids to build up on the bottom. Just
> periodically open your drain valve to release the tank when it is about 1/2
> or more full. The pressure tends to flush out the solids.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Santa Fe, NM

 

[david l greenberg]

>Does anyone know how I can inspect the area between
>the bottom of the shower module and the top of the holding
>tank to see where it is leaking?
>
Knock out the toe kick at the bottom of the door for starters.
>

David Lee Greenberg
GMC Motorhome Registry
200 Macfarlane Drive PH 4
Delray Beach, FL 33483-6829
800-827-9989