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Depending on the home, wastewater either goes into a septic tank and seeps back into the backyard or is sent via sewer system to a local sewage-treatment plant. Septic systems naturally separate different components of the waste so that it can naturally and safely disperse it. They are usually reserved for homes not served by a municipal sewage department (like rural homes). A treatment plant, on the other hand, speeds up that process through screening and purification.

Your septic tank naturally contains the beneficial bacteria it needs to function, so you typically don't need to add more. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three overripe 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 experts consider them unnecessary and potentially harmful. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacteria population is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the good bacteria in your system.

It only takes a few days for a septic tank to fill with water after a pro has pumped it. This is completely normal, and the water is a vital part of your septic system’s wastewater treatment process. The water that fills your tank days after pumping is not the same as the tank being filled with waste. You shouldn’t have to pump your septic system more than once every three to five years unless you have a tank that’s too small for your home’s water output or there’s a problem with your leach field. 

A gurgling toilet usually doesn’t mean that your septic tank is full. If waste can’t drain into a full septic tank, you’ll see water and sewage backing up into your fixtures, but the air that causes gurgling is a result of poor venting. You are more likely to have a clog in your vent stack or a damaged air admittance valve.