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Watch for slow drainage, pooling water in the yard, or unpleasant odors inside or outside. Addressing these issues timely avoids significant disruptions or costs.

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.

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.

Most homeowners know there’s a septic system problem when they can smell one. However, this isn’t exactly a scientific deduction method. Consider some of the other signs: standing water or constantly damp earth in the drainage area, toilets and sinks that won’t drain or frequently back up, and loud plumbing. You really need to be on top of routine maintenance with septic systems in order to avoid such unpleasant symptoms of a septic issue.