I would be very careful about putting chlorine-containing products, such as bleach, in the head, though it will sterilize the area well, since the high ammonia content of the waste in the
holding tank will react to release chlorine gas, which is dangerous, particularly in confined spaces, like holds. I inadvertently forgot this basic chemistry once while cleaning up a nasty
holding tank spill (actually an overflow
) and almost gassed myself. This topic was discussed more in another thread "
Acetone, bleach, lamp oil. Where/how to stow?"
Is it necessary to encourage microbial breakdown of the
holding tank contents, since they just get pumped out? Antimicrobials would help prevent odor from breakdown products, but not odors of the chemicals there originally, like ammonia. Or should the
holding tank be handled like a septic tank for a house, and have microbial breakdown of the contents encouraged?