Dometic model 300 odor problem and replacement

[tperk1000]

Even after lots of chemical in tanks, our bath smells like the tank is opened up to the room. Seems strongest odor is near toilet. Seal is good. It holds water for days. There is no obvious leaking or loose connections. No mold, mildew, stains anywhere including under sink.

I think problem is with toilet but have no idea of what it might be. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Dave and Monica]

You should check the black tank vent line. If it's clear, you shouldn't have any odors. The vent outlet is on the roof.

Dave

 

[rip]

You know not to be running your create-a-breeze fan when flushing, right?

 

[tperk1000]

Hmmmm....if the vent is clear or not clear, how are the odors getting into the bathroom?

How can I check vent to be sure its clear?

We don't use the fan at all.

 

[ts12i30]

Even after lots of chemical in tanks, our bath smells like the tank is opened up to the room. Seems strongest odor is near toilet. Seal is good. It holds water for days. There is no obvious leaking or loose connections. No mold, mildew, stains anywhere including under sink.

I think problem is with toilet but have no idea of what it might be. Any thoughts?

Thanks

We had a similar experience with our brand new 27BESS last month. Four days into our first camping trip, there was a foul odor in the bathroom. The odor was not coming from the black tank and the fan was off. In desperation, I removed the toilet. There was a problem with the flush valve that allowed the nasty stuff to build up under the bowl. Dometic sent a replacement to the campground via next day air.

 

[tperk1000]

We had a similar experience with our brand new 27BESS last month. Four days into our first camping trip, there was a foul odor in the bathroom. The odor was not coming from the black tank and the fan was off. In desperation, I removed the toilet. There was a problem with the flush valve that allowed the nasty stuff to build up under the bowl. Dometic sent a replacement to the campground via next day air.

Veddy Intresting.........Rockwood warranty rep told me today of same exact problem he has seen with two Dometic toilets lately. Mine is Model 300. What is yours, and who did you speak with at Dometic? Dometic referred me to the toilet manufacturer.

 

[ts12i30]

Mine was a model 300 also. Diane at Dometic sent us the upgraded model 310 which is partially porcelain. It is more stable that the 300 which is 100% plastic.

 

[Dave and Monica]

Check the vent on the roof...there'll be one for the gray and one for the black tank. They look like this...

The cap is removable and your nose should be able to tell you which is which. You should be able to see if they're clear with a flashlight or something like a length of 14/2 wire.

If the smell is from around the toilet it could be the seal at the flange.

Dave

 

[tperk1000]

Mine was a model 300 also. Diane at Dometic sent us the upgraded model 310 which is partially porcelain. It is more stable that the 300 which is 100% plastic.

TS, I sent you a PM, but in case you do not get it, can you give me the phone number to reach Diane? Dometic customer service number is totally automated and only refers one to a service center.

Thanks

 

[asquared]

We had an odor problem until we switched what we were doing. Instead of chemicals that did nothing, we switched to the geo method. We also got a tank wand and began flushing tank every trip (use a clear elbow and repeat rinse until what comes out is completely clear).

Are you putting enough water in it to not build the dreaded stone mountain (poop pyramid)? always have a few gallons in the black tank. Following all of ths our odors have been gone or a year.

 

[tperk1000]

We had an odor problem until we switched what we were doing. Instead of chemicals that did nothing, we switched to the geo method. We also got a tank wand and began flushing tank every trip (use a clear elbow and repeat rinse until what comes out is completely clear).

Are you putting enough water in it to not build the dreaded stone mountain (poop pyramid)? always have a few gallons in the black tank. Following all of ths our odors have been gone or a year.

This is my fifth RV. For the past twenty years I have only rarely used any chemicals. I have never had an odor problem. This odor is very strong. This has nothing to do with how I maintain the system. Something is defective. I do always have water in the black tank.

 

[ts12i30]

Here's a pic of the source of the odor. This is what a Dometic model 300 looks like when you open up the clamshell style outer housing. You can see the ring of sludge left by the stuff that didn't go through the flush valve into the bw tank.

 

[ts12i30]

This is the underside of the Dometic 310 300 (edited) bowl. The opening has an o-ring that is supposed to create a seal at the flange near the flush valve. I believe that this is the source of the leak that is allowing sewage to collect in the inner housing of the toilet. When this sewage sits inside the inner housing for a few days, it creates a foul odor that easily escapes through the opening in the back of the housing.

 

[ts12i30]

This is the underside of the Dometic 310 bowl. The opening has an o-ring that is supposed to create a seal at the flange near the flush valve. I believe that this is the source of the leak that is allowing sewage to collect in the inner housing of the toilet. When this sewage sits inside the inner housing for a few days, it creates a foul odor that easily escapes through the opening in the back of the housing.

This is actually a photo of the model 300, not 310. My bad!

 

[tperk1000]

Dometic overnighted me a new Model 310 upgraded (ceramic) toilet. The rep admitted they have had problems with the model 300.

Will be taking RV to dealer on 7/19 for warranty toilet change out.

CASE CLOSED....unless I run into more problems. Thanks for all replies.

 

[cbconway]

We had a similar experience with our brand new 27BESS last month. Four days into our first camping trip, there was a foul odor in the bathroom. The odor was not coming from the black tank and the fan was off. In desperation, I removed the toilet. There was a problem with the flush valve that allowed the nasty stuff to build up under the bowl. Dometic sent a replacement to the campground via next day air.

We've been plagued by toilet odor since buying our new 21FBRS last November. Even a return to the dealer didn't fix it. Today I decided to pull the toilet (Dometic model 300) myself to see if the floor seal was bad. The floor seal looked fine, but when I turned the toilet over, sewage came out. It was trapped between the bowl and the outer housing, just as you found. Placing it upside down, I filled the discharge pipe with water and watched as it leaked out of the middle where the two pieces of housing are joined. Bad gasket -- the one which is not user replaceable. Returned it to the dealer today. Hopefully will get a replacement tomorrow.

 

[Chewie]

I just got off the phone with dometic, they are sending me 2 model 310's. the one 300 I have stinks after 1 trip, the other on is fine. They are replacing both at no cost, we shall see in time. On the phone they did say they were having issues and working on a redesign for the model 300.

 

[OshawaDave]

This is my fifth RV. For the past twenty years I have only rarely used any chemicals. I have never had an odor problem. This odor is very strong. This has nothing to do with how I maintain the system. Something is defective. I do always have water in the black tank.

Not to hijack your thread, but, do you leave water in your black tank after rinsing?

thanks,

 

[ts12i30]

I'm glad that you guys are getting replacements. It's frustrating to buy a new trailer and have a defective toilet. But it is refreshing that Dometic has taken responsibility. We haven't had any issues with the upgraded model 310.

 

[Jim Scofield]

we installed a venturi vent cover from a local dealer. solved the prob for us immediately.