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Most septic tanks need to be emptied every 3 to 5 years, but it’s a good idea to monitor the fill levels of your septic tank all the time. You can do this by installing a pressure level sensor to detect the internal tank pressure, or by having a septic tank company perform an annual inspection to let you know when you’ll need to pump the tank.

There are several signs that can indicate your leach lines are broken, failing, or in need of repair, including puddles of water or a marshy consistency to the ground above or around the pipes, slow drainage or plumbing backups inside your home, and noticeable odors or gurgling sounds coming from your leach field. Keeping your septic system properly maintained, including having your septic tank pumped at regular intervals, can help ensure your leach lines stay in good working order for a long time.

A two-way cleanout can help if there’s already a clog, but the best strategy to prevent one is by not rinsing grease, oil, or fat down your drains, not flushing or rinsing coffee grounds or egg shells down your drains, flushing only human waste and toilet paper (so no diapers, period products, bathroom wipes, or paper towels), and using drain guards on all of your drains.

Septic tanks naturally have bacteria that break down some of the solid waste in the septic tank. However, sludge buildup is just part of owning a septic system. While liquid wastewater can be filtered and treated through the system, a septic tank company has to pump the septic tank out at least every few years.