Septic Tank Maintenance & Care: A Simple Guide for Every Homeowner

What’s a Septic Tank, Anyway?

Let’s break it down real quick. A septic tank is an underground system that treats your household wastewater. Everything that goes down your drains—from the toilet to the washing machine—ends up here. Inside the tank, waste separates into three layers: scum, liquid, and sludge. Bacteria do the heavy lifting, breaking down waste before it’s filtered into the soil through a drainfield.

Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it is—as long as you treat it right.

1. Inspect and Pump Regularly

Here’s the golden rule: inspect every one to two years and pump every three to five years.

Why? Because over time, solids build up in your tank. If you don’t remove them, they can clog your system—and trust us, you don’t want that. Think raw sewage backing up in your yard or, worse, your house.

Pro Tips:

• Schedule inspections with a licensed professional like 1-Tom-Plumber.
• Keep a maintenance record to track inspection dates and sludge levels.
• Install a riser to make tank access easier for inspections and cleanouts.

2. Use Water Wisely

Every drop of water from your home ends up in your septic tank. The more water you use, the harder your system has to work.

Easy Ways to Conserve Water:

• Fix leaky faucets and toilets (a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day).
• Spread out laundry—don’t do all your washing in one day.
• Use low-flow showerheads, faucets, and high-efficiency toilets.
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.

Conserving water helps your septic system process waste more effectively—and it saves you money on utilities, too.

3. Watch What You Toss Down the Drain

Your septic system isn’t a garbage can. In fact, flushing or draining the wrong things is the number one reason systems fail early.

Never Flush or Drain:

• Grease, oil, fats
• Baby wipes or “flushable” wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Coffee grounds
• Cat litter
• Paint, pesticides, or harsh chemicals
• Medications
• Dental floss, cigarette butts, or paper towels

Only toilet paper and human waste belong in the toilet. When it comes to sinks, avoid using chemical drain openers—opt for boiling water or a drain snake instead.

4. Maintain a Healthy Drainfield

The drainfield is where your filtered wastewater ends up, and it’s crucial to your septic system’s performance. If it gets compacted or flooded, your system can back up or fail entirely.

Drainfield Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Plant grass or shallow-rooted plants over it.
• Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and sprinklers away from the area.
• Mark the area so you always know where it is.

Don’t:

• Drive or park vehicles over it.
• Build patios, sheds, or decks on top of it.
• Plant trees or shrubs nearby—roots can damage pipes.

5. Make the Tank Easy to Find

Here’s a simple trick: place a birdbath, decorative rock, or lawn ornament over the lid. That way, you’ll always know where it is when it’s time for maintenance.

If you’ve had it pumped before, keep a map or sketch with your records showing its location and where the drainfield sits. This makes future inspections a breeze.

Safety First: A Quick Warning

Never climb into a septic tank. Gases can be deadly, and even leaning over the opening can cause collapse from fumes. Always let trained pros like 1-Tom-Plumber handle inspections and pumping.

Why Maintenance Matters

You might be thinking, “Is this really that important?” Absolutely.

Here’s why:

• Saves Money – Pumping every few years costs $250–$500. Replacing a failed system? That’ll run you $5,000–$15,000.
• Protects Property Value – A failed septic system can devalue your home or complicate a sale.
• Keeps You Healthy – Untreated wastewater carries bacteria and viruses that can seep into wells and water sources.
• Protects the Environment – Well-maintained systems prevent pollution in local streams, lakes, and rivers.

FAQs About Septic Tank Care

How often should I pump my septic tank?
Every three to five years is typical, but factors like household size and tank capacity matter. When in doubt, ask a pro.

Can I use a garbage disposal?
It’s not ideal. It adds solids to your tank and can increase the frequency of pump-outs. If you must use one, do so sparingly.

Are septic additives helpful?
Not really. Most aren’t necessary, and some can even hurt your system. A healthy tank has all the bacteria it needs from household waste.

What are signs my system is failing?
Bad odors, slow drains, soggy patches above the drainfield, and gurgling pipes are all red flags.

Is it safe to plant a garden over my drainfield?
No. Stick to grass. Roots from vegetables or trees can damage pipes or be contaminated by wastewater.

Final Thoughts

Owning a home with a septic system doesn’t have to be stressful. With just a bit of awareness and routine upkeep, you can keep your septic tank happy—and avoid disaster.

Think of it like this: a little effort now saves a whole lot of mess and cash later.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, and septic tank repair. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.