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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.

Modern septic tanks have two lids: one that covers the inlet where wastewater flows into the tank and one that covers the outlet where the treated water flows out to the drain field. However, older septic tanks installed before 1975 may have only one lid. Because septic tanks last 20 to 40 years, if yours only has one lid, it may be time for a replacement.

Never use Drano on blocked toilets. You can end up with a ghastly leak because the chemicals eat away at the glue that holds pipes together just as effectively as they do with clogs. Drano is known for being particularly rough on toilets, which is why some plumbers actually dislike the product. 

Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you’ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.