If you’ve found that the waste water tank in your motorhome has started to smell quite bad, you’re going to have to think about cleaning it. The good news here is that this is a relatively straightforward job to do.
You may be further relieved to hear that this is actually quite a common issue, and one that most motorhomers are going to find they end up encountering at some point.
And if you’re planning to give your ‘van a pre-season clean soon too, don’t miss our tips on cleaning a motorhome to help you get it back to its sparkling best.
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You may find the problem with your waste water tank begins during a period of hot weather, at which point you try draining it fully and also keep the plugs in when you’re on the road. However, sometimes a thorough cleaning of the waste water tank will be the only solution.
You can begin cleaning the waste water tank by running hot soapy water into the tank from both sinks and the shower.
For the next stage, it’s worth driving around a bit to slosh it about in the tank, and then leave it for an hour or two before you drain it out. This is a step you may need to repeat a few times.
If you’re browsing for specialist products that could help with the job, there are a number of options from brands you may have come across when researching the best motorhome cleaner or the best motorhome toilet chemical, including Thetford, Fenwicks, Jennychem, Elsan and Pro Kleen.
Speaking from personal experience, I have used the Thetford one to good effect, so that would be my pick.
What causes the waste water tank to smell in the first place?
So now you know the straightforward steps to cleaning the waste water tank in a motorhome. But what caused the smell in the first place? Well, the problem comes about due to organic matter, either from washing up after a meal or from having a shower, which will then end up in the waste tank.
No matter how hard you try, though, you will never be able to empty out every last bit. You’re then likely to find that after a spell of standing, it can begin to get a bit smelly, particularly during the warmer summer months.
Before you head off on tour this season don’t forget to give your awning some attention too. If you need a hand, our guide to how to clean and treat a motorhome awning will help.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.
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