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A gurgling toilet usually doesn’t mean that your septic tank is full. If waste can’t drain into a full septic tank, you’ll see water and sewage backing up into your fixtures, but the air that causes gurgling is a result of poor venting. You are more likely to have a clog in your vent stack or a damaged air admittance valve.

To break down fat in a septic tank, you will need to hire a professional septic tank cleaner near you to either pump the septic tank or use a shock treatment to clear the clog. It’s important to not pour fat, oil, or grease (memorable with the helpful acronym FOG) down your drains because they can clog the septic system. Instead, you can dispose of them with regular trash, or if your household produces a lot of FOG waste, you may want to install a grease trap for your plumbing.

Your septic tank naturally contains the beneficial bacteria it needs to function, so you typically don't need to add more. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three overripe tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many experts consider them unnecessary and potentially harmful. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacteria population is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the good bacteria in your system.

The bacteria already present in your septic system should be enough to break down solids in a properly maintained septic tank. However, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can try adding (well-mashed) rotten tomatoes to help the good bacteria fulfill their duty. Just make sure you give them a couple hours to work after flushing them down.