Question: I have a 2013 27 ft Cougar 5th wheel. After stopping for the day, there is a sewer smell in the undersink area in the kitchen. I checked the P-trap under the sink and its full. Any ideas?
Answer: Our guess is that you have a vent under the sink that is no longer functioning properly. Some manufacturers install a vent that vents to the roof.
Others use a ventless sewer valve (Air Admittance Valve or AAV for short) that is supposed to allow air in, but no sewer gases out. On our RV we have an ventless sewer vent valve that sometimes sticks open and allows sewer gas from our grey water tank to accumulate in the under sink cabinet.
If your RV is still under warranty, then ask the manufacturer or dealer to fix the problem. If you are out of warranty, then it is all on you and fixing the problem can be difficult if the system vents to the roof. If this is the case, take it to a professional to fix the problem.
If the culprit is one of those ventless sewer gas valves, they are easy to replace and some are cheap (what the manufacturers typically use) and others are a little more costly ($25 – $40 dollars to buy). These AAV valves typically just screw on and off, although some snap on and others are glued in place.
Other related pages:
www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/sewer-smell/
www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/care-for-rv-fresh-water-tank/
www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/clogged-kitchen-sink/
Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.
For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.