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Sink or shower drain blocked

Blocked drains are usually caused by food scraps, oil/grease, coffee grounds (kitchen) or hair/soap scum (shower). We don’t recommend cola or boiling water: cola is sugary/sticky and only mildly acidic (it can make odours worse), and boiling water can warp or damage plastic pipes, seals, and trap fittings commonly used in motorhomes. Avoid caustic “drain openers” too—these can damage the plumbing and the grey water tank. Use the safe steps below.

Diagnostics & Steps to Resolve:

  1. Rule out a full grey water tank
    a. Check your grey water tank level on the control panel
    b. If the tank is full or near-full, empty the grey water tank at a dump station, close the outlet, and recheck the drain

  2. Clear the strainer and visible debris
    a. Remove the sink/shower strainer and wipe out food scraps or hair/soap build-up
    b. Rinse the strainer and refit it securely

  3. Get a suitable cleaner (where to buy)
    a. Purchase an RV grey water tank cleaner/deodoriser—available at hardware stores (e.g., Bunnings, Mitre 10).
    b. Choose enzyme/bacterial formulations labeled RV-safe
    c. Follow the product label for dosage and contact time

  4. Dose the tank
    a. Add the cleaner via a sink or shower drain as directed on the bottle
    b. Add a little warm water if required by the instructions

  5. Fill to at least 50% to soak all internal surfaces
    a. Fill the fresh water tank
    b. Turn on taps to run water into the drains until the grey water tank is ~50% full (watch your tank level indicators)
    c. Wait for the time stated on the cleaner, keeping the grey outlet closed

  6. Flush the tank thoroughly
    a. At a dump station, open the grey water outlet and drain completely
    b. Close the outlet, then refill the fresh water tank
    c. Turn on kitchen and bathroom taps to send another 25–50% of fresh water into the grey water tank
    d. Open the grey outlet again and drain fully to rinse
    e. Close the grey outlet when done

  7. Ongoing tips to prevent odour and blockages
    a. Strain or wipe food scraps before they go down the sink
    b. Empty the grey water tank daily when on powered sites and after long driving days

Still blocked? Call Wilderness On-Road Support on +64 9 255 5300.
Please don’t use caustic chemicals or dismantle plumbing—both can cause leaks and damage.