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When your septic system is failing, you’ll probably smell it. Common signs of a septic system failure include sewage odors in the home or around the yard, flooding in the yard above the septic tank or in the leach field, and wastewater or even raw sewage backing up into your home’s drains.

On average, you should call a pro to pump your cesspool once per year. If you have a larger home with a lot of family members, you may need to pump more (up to six times per year). On the flip side, if you’re talking about a cesspool for a home you don’t use much or if you’re the only occupant in a home, you won’t have to pump nearly as much.

Baking soda can help neutralize septic tank odors. If the pH balance in your tank is off, it may emit a sulfurous, rotten-egg-like smell. Flushing about one cup of baking soda down the toilet once a week can help neutralize the odor. To increase the beneficial bacteria in your tank, you can add three rotten tomatoes through your garbage disposal every three months.

To prevent odors in the first place, only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid pouring coffee grounds, fats, oils, or grease down your drains, as this can lead to clogs. While these methods can help, the most effective long-term solution is to have your septic tank pumped regularly, typically every three to five years. Because sewage gas can be toxic, it is recommended to hire a professional to identify the source of the smell rather than only trying to neutralize it.

You may notice a septic smell in your yard after it rains if groundwater is entering your septic tank and causing it to overflow. If you experience septic odors after rainfall, contact a licensed plumber. They can construct a drain to redirect rainwater away from your septic tank.