Foul odor from sump

Jul 15, 2020
76
Boat Info
2006 290 Sundancer
Engines
5.0 ltr
Hello People!!
I have a 2006 Sundancer 290. I getting an awful smell from the area under my main cabin floor. There is a “crock” that collect water from galley sink, AC condensate and head sink/shower. I have been battling a really bad smell all season. I have thoroughly cleaned in the clear tank as well as the surrounding area. Poured bleach in and around the holding “tank” and used holding pan condensate tablets in this area as well
As the AC drip pan.
Does anybody have any idea where it’s coming from or what I can do to rectify?,,

Thanks in advance.
 
Mike, I'd suggest pouring bleach down your sink drains and the shower drain. The foul smell may be coming from the hoses that feed that sump. Bleach is cheap so don't be stingy with it. Then let it sit in the lines and sump for a day or two before you rinse it out.

If the smell is coming from your AC I can't help you with that. AC systems are above my pay grade.

Good luck.
 
You can also use white vinegar. Same procedure. I also pour pine sol (fragrance of your choice) down my shower drain and ac pan a few times a season. Keeps them clean and smelling fresh. As part of winterizing, I pour down all drains and put cork in thru hull when it starts coming out and let it sit for a few hours and then flush with pink antifreeze. Have maintained 0 odor in 3 boats over the past 15 years. When recommissioning, fill fresh water tank half way with 50/50 white vinegar and water, run all faucets until you can smell the vinegar. Let sit for a few hours then rinse very well with plain water. Then fill with water and treatment/conditioner of your choice. No smell at all. Many on here have their preferred methods that work equally as well. This procedure has worked for me for many years.
 
If the smell persists it may be that you have deteriorated head system lines. Even though you don't see any actual leaks the odor will make its way through the hose wall and fittings. I've had a couple of friends have these issues on similar year boats and once they replaced the lines, no odor! Mine is a 2006 and so far all is well but I'm sure that is a project in my near future. I had foul smelling sump issues in the past and simply cleaning it out solved the smell, I'd be suspecting the black water hoses.
Carpe Diem
 

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