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You can check your own septic tank, but take precautions. Locate the access lid, usually buried a few inches underground, and remove it carefully. Look for the sludge and scum levels, and if they’re high, that means pumping may be necessary. Check for odors, slow drains, or pooling water around the drain field, which could indicate issues. Never enter the tank, as toxic gases can be fatal. All of that being said, a professional inspection is safer and more thorough.

Baking soda can help neutralize septic tank odors. If the pH balance in your tank is off, it may emit a sulfurous, rotten-egg-like smell. Flushing about one cup of baking soda down the toilet once a week can help neutralize the odor. To increase the beneficial bacteria in your tank, you can add three rotten tomatoes through your garbage disposal every three months.

To prevent odors in the first place, only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid pouring coffee grounds, fats, oils, or grease down your drains, as this can lead to clogs. While these methods can help, the most effective long-term solution is to have your septic tank pumped regularly, typically every three to five years. Because sewage gas can be toxic, it is recommended to hire a professional to identify the source of the smell rather than only trying to neutralize it.

Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you’ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.

A few signs can indicate that your cesspool needs to be emptied outside of its typical schedule. An unpleasant odor coming from your pipes or near the cesspool, gurgling noises in your pipes, and uncharacteristically good growth in your yard are signs of cesspool problems that suggest build-up or overflow. If your pipes back up, you should have your cesspool looked at right away.