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Septic systems typically require servicing every 3-5 years, but frequency varies according to household size and tank capacity.

Several things can ruin a septic tank over time, including dumping harsh chemicals (like bleach and ammonia), pesticides, and paint thinners down your drain because they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank. You should also make sure to only flush waste and toilet paper in your toilet—otherwise, you could clog your system.

It is generally safe to stay in a house that smells like sewage for a short time, but you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. While the level of sewer gas is usually low enough to only cause minor symptoms, prolonged inhalation can lead to headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation. High levels of gas exposure can be more dangerous, and high concentrations of methane—a component of sewer gas—can pose an explosion risk in enclosed spaces. If you smell sewer gas in your home, ventilate the area and call a professional to locate, assess, and fix the problem, as it will not go away on its own.

Some of the biggest symptoms of a drain field failure include a foul stench, backed-up toilets and drains, and mushy grass or standing water on top of the drain field. Also, if the grass above your leach field starts suddenly growing faster and looks thicker or healthier than the rest of your lawn, it could be a sign that it isn’t getting rid of waste properly.