They fail. What pump do you have? Jabsco have a terrible reputation, 'cuz the guts literally rot out. I just had my 27 year old Jabsco replaced with the Shurflo. They look the same and fit in the same space, but I did a LOT of research and homework to choose the replacement manufacturer. Johnson has a good reputation also.
Given you situation, why not simply fill the holding tank with fresh water and see what happens?
You have nothing to lose, and get to clean out the tank.
What do you think?
That's what I'd do.