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You can add three rotten tomatoes or 1/4 ounce of yeast to your septic tank to speed up the decomposition of sludge. You can add the tomatoes by way of your garbage disposal and the yeast by way of your toilet. You can do either of these additives once every three months as needed.

The best times of year to pump or empty a septic tank are spring and fall. Many professionals recommend spring because the ground has thawed, making the tank easier to access, and any snowmelt or rainfall can aid in proper drainage. Pumping before summer is also ideal to avoid conflicts with vacations or outdoor gatherings.

Fall is another great option, as contractors may be less busy than in the spring. Servicing the tank in late fall or early spring can also reduce the risk of overflow from extra precipitation during winter and spring.

While summer is a possibility, winter is generally not recommended. The ground is often frozen, which can make it difficult to access the tank, and the waste inside may also be frozen.

There are a few signs that you might notice if your drain field is bad. For starters, if you see standing water or soggy grass above your drain field, it could mean that it isn’t working correctly. Or, if your yard smells like sewage, it could also indicate that there’s a problem with your drain field. Repairing a drain field costs an average of $2,000 to $15,000.

Signs that your well is dry include a decrease in water pressure, strange odors coming from faucets, cloudy, bubbly, or discolored water, and water that’s warmer than normal. Signs that your well pump is bad are similar, but you may also notice higher-than-average electric bills, strange clicking sounds, and faucets that spit or sputter.