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Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

The easiest thing you can do to prolong the life of your septic system is to adopt septic-safe practices. This includes not flushing non-biodegradable items, chemicals, or excessive grease down drains and scheduling regular septic tank pumping to prevent buildup. It’s also important to fix plumbing leaks promptly and to practice water conservation to avoid overloading the system. To maintain your drain field, avoid heavy vehicle traffic and plant shallow-rooted vegetation in the area. Most importantly, invest in routine inspections and maintenance to detect and address issues early.

If you aren’t sure if you have a septic tank or a cesspit, you can check your property records or inspect your drainage system. A septic tank has an outlet pipe that allows liquid to drain into a soakaway or drain field, while a cesspit is a sealed tank that requires frequent emptying. If you notice a manhole cover and no nearby drainage field, it’s likely a cesspit. Signs like slow drainage or a frequent need for pumping can also provide clues. A professional inspection is the easiest way to confirm if your home runs on a septic tank or cesspit.

Getting well water tested costs $100 to $350 if done by a pro. You can also buy DIY test kits for $20 to $100, but professional tests are more reliable. You can get a comprehensive well inspection, which includes advanced water testing, for $700 to $750, which you should do yearly anyway.

You can check your own septic tank, but take precautions. Locate the access lid, usually buried a few inches underground, and remove it carefully. Look for the sludge and scum levels, and if they’re high, that means pumping may be necessary. Check for odors, slow drains, or pooling water around the drain field, which could indicate issues. Never enter the tank, as toxic gases can be fatal. All of that being said, a professional inspection is safer and more thorough.

You can put yogurt in your septic tank, but it will not increase the bacteria in your septic tank. In other words, it won't harm your tank, but it won't get rid of a septic smell or boost the performance of your septic system. While yogurt contains helpful bacteria, you would need to buy an extraordinary amount of yogurt to make any difference. Adding yogurt is not a helpful or cost-effective strategy.

The Excel, AL homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.