Septic tank maintenance: pumping, inspections and daily habits

A septic system can quietly work for decades, or fail early and cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. The difference is mostly maintenance, and most of it is inexpensive.

Inspections and pumping

How often your tank needs pumping depends on its size, the number of people in the home and how much water you use. The inspector measures the sludge and scum layers and tells you when it is due. A pumping typically costs about $300 to $700.

Keep records

Write down each inspection and pumping date, the tank's location and any repairs. A simple sketch of where the tank lid and drain field are saves time and digging later.

What goes down the drain

• Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Wipes, even ones labeled flushable, paper towels, feminine products and cat litter clog systems.
• Keep cooking grease and oil out of sinks.
• Limit the garbage disposal. Food waste adds solids that fill the tank faster.
• Do not pour paint, solvents, medications or large amounts of harsh chemicals down the drain.

Use water wisely

• Fix running toilets and leaky faucets, which flood the system with water.
• Spread laundry out over the week instead of doing many loads in one day.
• Consider high-efficiency toilets, showerheads and washing machines.

Protect the drain field

• Never drive or park on it.
• Plant only grass nearby; tree and shrub roots can clog the lines.
• Send roof drains, sump pumps and surface water away from it.

Warning signs

• Slow drains and gurgling throughout the house
• Sewage odors indoors or in the yard
• Soggy ground or bright green grass over the tank or drain field
• Sewage backing up into the lowest drains

Call a septic professional as soon as you notice these. Early repairs are far cheaper than rebuilding a system; see our septic tank replacement cost and drain field replacement cost guides for the numbers.