In general, a septic tank should be inspected and pumped every  1 – 3 years. The frequency of pumping the septic tank depends on the tank size, number of people in the household, habits of water use as well as the amount of solids accumulated in the tank. Some alternative systems that are more complex may require more frequent inspection or pumping. If you are unsure, ask your local septic system professional. A septic tank effluent filter may also require frequent maintenance and should be included in the inspection and maintenance activities. It is important to save your system’s yearly schedule or maintenance records.

If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:

• There is minimal water use in the home, and/or the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. This is rare but may occur when there are only one or two people in the home. 

• The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drain field.

• The tank is full of solids, which are slowly migrating and may eventually clog the drain field. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drain field if it becomes clogged.

Regular maintenance is the best method to prevent a septic system failure. The frequency for pumping the septic tank depends on the tank size, number of people in the household, the water habits and use, if a garbage disposal is used, and the amount of solids accumulated in the tank. A rule of thumb is to pump the tank when the solids are two-thirds of the volume in the tank. Routine maintenance is the responsibility of the home or property owner. If you rent a home, you have responsibility for the proper use and operation of the system.

• Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks backing up into the home’s plumbing.

• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.

• Standing water or damp spots near or over the septic tank or drain field. 

• Sewage odors around the septic tank or drain field. 

• Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drain field, even during dry weather.

• Straight pipe discharging untreated wastewater to the ground surface. 

• Algae blooms in nearby lakes or waterbodies. 

• High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in surface waters or drinking water wells.

There may be several reasons for the smell, which can occur inside or outside your home. If you notice an odor, it may be coming from a roof vent or other vent pipe that allows the system pressure to equalize. This is a normal part of your system. Sometimes these vents can become obstructed and clogged (from leaves, debris, etc.) or the vent pipe can freeze during prolonged cold spells. These situations could cause an odor inside or outside of your home. Another possibility is a down draft (changes to wind pattern) or other location-specific conditions, which can create an odor inside or outside your home. In these cases, the vent may need to be cleaned or raised. There are charcoal filters available for roof vents that may also alleviate the odors. If your drain field is not working properly, that could be another reason you smell an odor inside your home or around the septic system.

• A failing septic system likely discharges untreated wastewater, which contains pathogens (e.g., E. coli), nutrients and other harmful substances directly into the groundwater or onto the ground and into surface waters. 

• Drinking water from groundwater wells and from surface water sources can be contaminated by untreated wastewater and require filtration and disinfection to remain potable. Check with your local health department about having your water tested. 

Yes. Using an in-sink garbage disposal unit can impact how often you need to pump your septic tank. Food waste usually is slowly digested by the healthy bacteria in your septic tank and can accumulate as scum and sludge. If a large amount of water enters the septic tank or the tank fills up with solids, it can push the solids into the drain field, causing the pipes to clog and increasing the thickness of the biomat (a bacteria layer that forms on the bottom and sides of the drain field trenches). If you must use a garbage disposal unit, your tank will need to be pumped more frequently.

Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush these items down the toilet because they could clog your septic system and cause a failure:

• Cooking grease or oil

• Non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes 

• Photographic solutions 

• Feminine hygiene products 

• Condoms 

• Dental floss 

• Diapers 

• Cigarette butts 

• Coffee grounds 

• Cat litter 

• Paper towels 

• Pharmaceuticals 

• Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners