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Over time, your septic tank can accumulate a buildup of sludge at the bottom of the tank. If left unpumped and uncleaned, the sludge will back up into your pipes and home, causing failure and extensive (and smelly) damage. Repairs to your septic system can be costly, which is why regular maintenance is required. It takes about 30 minutes to pump a septic tank that’s 1,250 gallons or less or 1 hour for larger varieties.

A septic smell may be harmful because sewer gas is dangerous depending on the exposure amount and length of time. Sewer gas is made up of multiple gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Some of these gases, like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, are toxic to humans and can be fatal in high concentrations or long exposures.

The best thing to unclog a septic tank is a mechanical auger, especially if the clog is far down the line or particularly dense. You can also clear a clog in a septic line with a wooden pole or steel rod. Be sure to follow safety precautions when working in a septic tank, including wearing heavy-duty work gloves, goggles, and a gas mask.

A septic system can fail for various reasons, and most commonly, excessive water use or sudden surges in wastewater can overwhelm the system's capacity. Neglecting regular maintenance, like tank pumping and inspections, can also lead to clogs, leaks, and eventual breakdowns. Other issues that lead to failure include age-related wear and tear, root infiltration, improper disposal of non-biodegradable materials or chemicals into the system, unsuitable soil conditions, physical damage, and even environmental factors like flooding or soil erosion.