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holding tank odors-sour milk!

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by mackenzie, Aug 7, 2006.

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  1. mackenzie

    mackenzie New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    mackinac island
    Just bought a 70's Chris Commander. Treated both heads with several doses of chemicals. The forward head has never really smelled that bad. The master head, however, has an ongoing odor similar to sour milk!! What can I do to get rid of this once and for all??

    Thanks to all for any imput.
  2. Antonio Torres

    Antonio Torres Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2004
    Messages:
    65
    Location:
    Angra dos Reis
    Mackenzie,

    You can use vinegar (a tablespoon) in the head, everytime it smells.
  3. AdmiralMAI

    AdmiralMAI New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2006
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Lake Mich
    Try using the enzymes that they put in septic tanks that should quickly deplete whatever the odor causing bacteria find so easy to live on.
  4. dancerscap

    dancerscap New Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2006
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    Hudson, Fl
    Check the shower drain. The shower typically drains into the sump and builds a soap scum that sours and really smells. Sorry, wrong forum, you know that. Anyway, clean the sump and disinfect. Will probably get rid of you odor.
  5. C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2006
    Messages:
    581
    Location:
    Ft Lauderdale
    Do you have the microphor heads?
    If so, behind the flap that opens to allow the waste to fall in a chamber (which is called the hoper,) can get pretty stinking. Every time you flush, it releases the stored gases and will stink up the whole area. What I do is while flushing the head, holding the flush lever, I take a cleaning brush with soapy solution and really try to get in the hopper and knock off all that old waste on the upper sides that has built up. Just dumping chems in there won't do it.
    If you don't have the microphor heads and you know every thing is as clean as it can be, than you might have to go tank diving for a good cleaning in there. Chems will only do so well and is usually very temporary becuase of the build up on the upper parts were the chems can't reach.
  6. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,949
    Location:
    Palm Beach to Ft Lauderdale
    Mackenzie,
    If it's a lingering odor, and not just when you flush, the hoses could be porous and emitting the odor. Rub the hose and smell your hand (or rag) and if it smells, then change the hoses. It's a ****** job, but changing the hoses should help. Good luck.
    Capt Tom