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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.

Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten 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 additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

Recognizing signs of a failing septic system is crucial to prevent costly damage and health hazards. Foul odors in and around your home, slow drainage in sinks and toilets, or gurgling noises in plumbing fixtures can indicate problems with drainage. Lush, green patches of grass near the drain field or wastewater pooling on the ground are alarming signs that may indicate a leak in the system. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's vital to address them promptly to avoid more extensive and expensive issues.

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.