Why not leave vinegar in holding tank?

[Patrick]

Peggy -This weekend we returned to our boat and discovered a distinct onion-like aroma and a toilet full of grey water with a skim of scum across it. After pumping it down I resolved to read your forum to find the source and possible solutions to the problem.Under your section on "Intake water odors" you talk about the solution of the person who puts fresh water in his sink and pumps down the head. It then goes on to say:"He adds a healthy shot of Raritan Peal Products "C.P. Cleans Potties!" to the water in the sink, but white vinegar--provided you don't use more than cupful a week if you're flushing into a holding tank--does a good job too."My question is, why is it a problem to add more vinegar to the holding tank? I admit to not knowing much about the chemical reaction of vinegar (other than related to oil and lettuce!)Thanks for your forum and for whatever help you can provide.Patrick

 

[Peggie Hall/Headmistress]

Like a lot of things, a little doesn't hurt

But vinegar knocks down odor by lowering the pH level, which slows down bacterial activity...when the pH level gets to 4 (normal for water and waste is 7-9), bacterial activity stops altogether. They little buggers don't die, they just become dormant till the pH level goes back up. No bacterial activity, no breakdown of solids and paper...without breakdown, all they can do is dissolve into little tiny particles that settle to the bottom of the tank to become sludge.Besides, a gallon won't do ANY more good in the hoses than a cupful...'cuz it'll all just end up in the tank.