Get matched with top septic tank pros in Welsh, LA

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.

Start by finding the septic tank, marked by an access lid near your home. From there, the drain field extends outward in a series of trenches. Look for greener, lusher grass, as drain fields promote plant growth due to moisture and fertilizer. You can also check property records, use a soil probe to detect damp soil, or hire a septic professional with ground-penetrating radar equipment to map the drain field’s location.

Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

There are many reasons you may want to extend the depth of an existing well or drill a new, deeper well on your property. A deeper well can tap cleaner water sources—shallow water may contain more contaminants. With a deeper well, you’ll also have an easier time reaching the water table depth (the level at which underground water is found) and can get past tricky soil conditions. 

Plus, if your local building code requires a minimum well depth for safety and environmental standards, you’ll meet the code by digging a deeper well in the first place.