Stagnant Water Smell in My Van

[keynsham1]

Just this week my van has developed a nasty stagnant water smell inside. I have had it before coming up the sink drain from the waste tank but this time it is not that. I also had a car some years ago where the washer bottle water went stagnant with the same smell, but it isn't that either. I think it might be coming through the vents from the front. Has anyone else ever had this? I am wondering if there are drains on the heater box that could be blocked leaving water in there to merrily rot?

[keynsham1]

Update! I just took the grille off and the heater intake grille. Absolutely dry in there and no smell. I ran the heater blower to the windscreen and footwells and no smell. No damp carpets either. I am beginning to think either something sneaked in and died somewhere or it must be the sink, even though it is not obvious.

[clift_d]

Is the smell slightly sulphurous, i.e. bad egg smell? If so, then I’d suggest checking your leisure battery as it might be knackered and venting when it’s being charged by the alternator, or when you’re on a hook-up.