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Yes, a septic tank can get full. If this happens, you might run into issues flushing your toilets or draining your sinks. You may also notice your pipes making gurgling noises or the smell of sewage floating around your house. Other signs of a backed-up septic tank include water pooling or fresh, healthy grass growing above your drain field.

To break down fat in a septic tank, you will need to hire a professional septic tank cleaner near you to either pump the septic tank or use a shock treatment to clear the clog. It’s important to not pour fat, oil, or grease (memorable with the helpful acronym FOG) down your drains because they can clog the septic system. Instead, you can dispose of them with regular trash, or if your household produces a lot of FOG waste, you may want to install a grease trap for your plumbing.

Several things can ruin a septic tank over time, including dumping harsh chemicals (like bleach and ammonia), pesticides, and paint thinners down your drain because they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank. You should also make sure to only flush waste and toilet paper in your toilet—otherwise, you could clog your system.

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.