Smell when filling vacuflush head

[Buffalo Soldier]

I've searched the forums but can't quite find an answer to a small problem I periodically have. Every now and then when I raise the lever to fill the toilet with fresh water I get a nasty smell which I assume is from the holding tank. It dissipates quickly, does not happen every time, and does not occur when the toilet is flushed.

The holding tank gets drained and flushed regularly. There is no smell in the cabin or cockpit. It only occurs when filling the toilet. It's not horrible but very annoying.

Any ideas? I appreciate the help.

 

[Mr Salt]

Does it smell like roten eggs, if so it could be from the water sitting in the lines too long. You might also notice the smell disappears if you get water from a different marina.

 

[rondds]

When you lift the pedal, you're letting fresh water into the tank and that function (lifting the pedal) does NOT create any communication to the holding tank. Is this when hooked to dockside water or only when using tank water?

Even if you step ON the pedal to flush, there should be no smell from the tank since there is so much vacuum created, the odor couldn't possibly emanate (unless you're not getting vacuum).

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

Thanks for your replies.

Is it possible only the hose to the toilet is nasty and no place else in the boat? I have no problem with any smell at any other time from any other faucet. I usually use water from the fresh water tank even at dock, just fill it periodically.

Should I try and clean/flush the fresh water system with the bleach and or vinegar methods I've seen discussed?

 

[The Bill Collector]

Thanks for your replies.

Is it possible only the hose to the toilet is nasty and no place else in the boat? I have no problem with any smell at any other time from any other faucet. I usually use water from the fresh water tank even at dock, just fill it periodically.

Should I try and clean/flush the fresh water system with the bleach and or vinegar methods I've seen discussed?

Yes and a little bleach in the fresh tank wouldn't hurt either

 

[rondds]

Is it possible only the hose to the toilet is nasty and no place else in the boat?

Sure. How many times a day do you flush compared to how many times you turn on the faucets. Also,the volume of water dispensed with each flush is probably about 8 ounces - at that clip it'll take an awful long time to clear out the skunky water from the line leading to the toilet.

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

Sure. How many times a day do you flush compared to how many times you turn on the faucets. Also,the volume of water dispensed with each flush is probably about 8 ounces - at that clip it'll take an awful long time to clear out the skunky water from the line leading to the toilet.

I appreciate the help, that makes a lot of sense. I'll start with sanitizing the fresh water system.