Nothing is quite as unpleasant as a bad smell from a toilet, especially when in a small space such as an RV!
This article will explore why a toilet could be smelling and offer solutions and fixes to ensure you get rid of the smell. That way, you can enjoy a fresh, pleasant toilet on your adventures in your RV. A clean toilet will not give off any bad smells.
Finding out why your RV toilet smells
Before you can solve the issue of a foul-smelling RV toilet, you need to find the cause. This is because freshening up a toilet does not have a single solution.
Whilst you are still trying to find the root cause of the bad smell, we recommend opening a nearby window to ventilate the air. This will prevent odour-causing particles from lingering. Secondly, you can temporarily mask the odours by using an air freshener.
Using toilet bleach can also be helpful, but only if your RV toilet is still flushable.
Keep reading to find out the most common causes of a bad-smelling RV toilet, and how to fix them!
Mould
Mould is a problem for RVs in general but especially in a toilet room. This is because, alongside the toilet, there is usually a sink and a shower. These can create a damp environment if adequate ventilation is not provided. A damp, enclosed environment is where mould will thrive.
A massive issue with mould comes when you put RVs into storage. If the RV has any damp spots or too much moisture inside, the mould will grow. If an RV is locked away for 6 months, this is 6 months of mould that could have developed.
Mould has an awful fusty smell and if you don’t remove the mould, the smell won’t go. Therefore if you have mould, it’s time to get gloves, goggles and a facemask on and remove it. Some cleaning products can be great to use, such as ones you spray on and leave like Wet & Forget. This is a more pleasant way to go about it.
Either way, you will need to be hands-on at some point. Mould tends to grow on the underside of the toilet, so make sure you check here.
Blockage
A blocked toilet is the most common cause of a bad-smelling toilet. It happens to us all at some point!
The solution is, of course, to unblock it. This involves plungers, gloves, and sometimes a strong stomach.
A great way to reduce the chance of a blockage is to, first of all, have a macerator installed if you don’t already have one. These essentially shred any waste going to the sewage tank. This, in turn, significantly reduces the chance of a blockage.
Emptying the sewage tank frequent is also useful. You can do this at home and will need a sewer hose to do it safely.
Check out our article on how to dispose of RV waste at home by clicking here!
Leaks and damage
A leak, no matter how small, can cause horrendous smells. A cracked toilet bowl or pipe can be the cause of bad smells. When it comes to a leak, sometimes the trickiest part of fixing it is finding it in the first place.
Taping up the leak can be enough to stop it in some cases. If it is bigger than a centimetre or two, however, a new part is likely needed. Most parts can be replaced with relative ease, but don’t be afraid to call in a plumber if you’re unsure.
Even if the leak isn’t in the bathroom, it could be the pipe that leads to the sewage tank or even the sewage tank itself.
When checking for these issues, wear fully protective clothing – raw sewage is not to be messed with.
Blocked extractor fan
Extractor fans are brilliant when they are working. They can clear condensation from a shower and the bad smells that come with toilet use.
Over time they can collate dust, and sometimes this is enough to stop the fan spinning. When this happens, bacteria and mould can grow on the fan and in the extractor tub.
The best fix for this is to turn the electricity off at the circuit breaker. Then, you can clean it with spray bleach and give it a good dusting. If you clean it well enough, it should begin to work again when turned back on. If it doesn’t start working again, you will most likely have to purchase another.
A loose toilet lid
This is perhaps the easiest fix. A toilet lid seal will stop any smells from escaping the toilet itself. For such a small cost, these can make a big difference.
The same goes for the toilet door. It can have seals put on. This will isolate the smell to the toilet only, and the fan and window will take care of the smell.
How to stop an RV toilet from smelling
This article has explored every way to create a fresher, more pleasant toilet environment. Regular cleaning and maintenance should stop any serious bad smell issues from becoming a regular occurrence. I hope this article helps you tackle any toilet trouble on the road!