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The best times of year to empty or pump a septic tank are spring and fall. Many professionals recommend spring because the ground has thawed, making the tank easier to access and the waste less likely to be frozen. Pumping before summer also helps avoid conflicts with vacations or outdoor gatherings. Fall is another great option, as contractors may be less busy, and servicing the tank can reduce the risk of overflow from winter and spring precipitation. While summer is also a suitable time, winter is generally not recommended due to frozen ground.

Septic tanks can clog if they aren’t pumped every few years since solid waste accumulates inside of them. Your tank might also clog if you have a habit of flushing anything other than human waste or toilet paper. Items like diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, cat litter, and personal hygiene products should never go down your pipes.

Septic tank locations are sometimes public record, although it depends on local laws and the property age. Older properties may not have the septic tank information on public record. To check, you can talk to local permitting agencies, such as your local health department, the local environmental department, or the county clerk.

While homeowners connected to a municipal sewer line still have to keep up with plumbing maintenance, the downside to a septic system is that all the maintenance falls on the homeowners. Not calling in a pro to pump the tank every few years or accidentally flushing or draining the wrong types of materials can quickly cause clogs, which can back up into drains around the home.