A conversation about an RV smell can include words from three worlds: plumbing, building moisture and odor treatment. Understanding them helps you ask better questions and notice when an explanation does not add up. The list below is general, and a provider may use terms slightly differently, so ask them to explain what they mean in your case.
Where a definition mentions a treatment method, remember that results depend on the situation. Treat any product description as a starting point for questions rather than as proof of performance.
If a term on a quote or a product label is not on this list, ask the provider to explain it in plain words and to say what it means for your RV in particular. A good explanation covers what the thing does, what it cannot do and what could go wrong. Treat unfamiliar jargon as a prompt to ask a question, not as a reason to agree. A glossary cannot replace that conversation, but it can make the conversation shorter and more useful.
Plumbing and tanks
- Black tank
- The holding tank for toilet waste.
- Gray tank
- The holding tank for sink and shower water.
- Vent stack
- A pipe that lets air move in and out of a tank so it drains properly.
- P-trap
- A curved pipe that holds a small plug of water to block sewer gas.
- Dump valve
- The valve that releases tank contents to a disposal point.
Moisture and mold
- Condensation
- Water that forms when warm humid air touches a cold surface.
- Delamination
- Separation of layers in an RV wall, often from water.
- Mildew
- A surface mold that causes a musty smell.
- Substrate
- The layer beneath a surface, such as the subfloor beneath carpet.
Treatment terms
- Off-gassing
- Release of vapors from materials such as plastic, foam and glue.
- Extraction
- Using water and suction to clean carpet or upholstery.
- Ozone
- A reactive gas used in some odor treatments. It can damage materials and is not safe to breathe.
- Hydroxyl generator
- A device that produces hydroxyl radicals, used in some treatments. Ask how and where it is used.
- Thermal fogging
- A method that disperses a deodorizing vapor, which may leave residue.
- Sealing
- Applying a coating over a surface to lock in residue. Should follow cleaning, not replace it.
Terms to ask a provider about
- Scope
- What exactly will be done to which surfaces?
- Equipment
- Will any device run while people are inside?
- Re-entry
- When can the RV be used again?
- Results
- How will we know if the odor is gone?
Common questions
Is ozone safe in an RV?
It can irritate lungs and damage rubber and plastics. Ask any provider about precautions and ventilation before agreeing.
Does sealing remove smell?
Sealing can reduce release from a surface, but it does not remove the source underneath.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.