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Yes, you can pump a septic tank too much. The ideal pumping schedule varies based on capacity, water usage, and household size. If you pump the septic tank more frequently than your recommended pumping schedule, the beneficial bacteria can leach into the drain field, causing an imbalance and solid waste build-up.

You may be able to neutralize septic tank odors by flushing about 1 cup of baking soda down the toilet weekly, although the best option to banish odors is to have the septic tank pumped regularly, about once every three to five years. 

To minimize odors, only flush human waste and toilet paper in the toilet, and avoid pouring coffee grounds, fats, oils, or grease down the drains, as this could cause clogs. Rather than trying to neutralize a septic tank odor, you should hire a pro to determine the source of the smell, since sewage gas can be toxic.

How often you need to pump your tank depends on the size of your tank and how many people live in your home. The average recommended frequency is every three to five years. However, your tank may need more or less frequent pumpings than that. For example, a single person with a 1,000-gallon septic tank may only need to pump it every nine to 12 years, while a five-person family with the same sized tank may need to pump it every two to four years.

Most septic tanks need to be emptied every 3 to 5 years, but it’s a good idea to monitor the fill levels of your septic tank all the time. You can do this by installing a pressure level sensor to detect the internal tank pressure, or by having a septic tank company perform an annual inspection to let you know when you’ll need to pump the tank.