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A submersible pump should be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to minimize the risk of the pump drawing debris into the well water. Submersible pumps work best for wells that are 25 feet deep or less. If you have a deeper well, choose a jet pump instead of a submersible model.

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.

Normally, when your well pump turns on or off, you’ll hear a small click. This isn’t anything to worry about, but it can be a problem if it’s clicking continuously. This can indicate that the well pump is short cycling—the pump continuously turns on and off.

This can wear out the motor and provide uneven water flow. If this happens, you may need to get it looked at by a well pump professional to see if you need to repair the switch or pump.

A septic tank riser features a base ring that you need to install flush to the opening of the septic tank. After thoroughly cleaning the opening of the tank, fit the base ring over the opening and use a butyl sealant rope to create an airtight seal with the tank’s rim. Cut the riser rings to the appropriate height and stack them on the base ring. Then, install the riser lid. This task might be taken on by an experienced DIYer, but you should always call a septic tank professional if you are unsure of your skills.