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You may be able to neutralize septic tank odors by flushing about 1 cup of baking soda down the toilet weekly, although the best option to banish odors is to have the septic tank pumped regularly, about once every three to five years. 

To minimize odors, only flush human waste and toilet paper in the toilet, and avoid pouring coffee grounds, fats, oils, or grease down the drains, as this could cause clogs. Rather than trying to neutralize a septic tank odor, you should hire a pro to determine the source of the smell, since sewage gas can be toxic.

When septic systems begin to fail, your waste will start to seep into the groundwater. You may notice a foul odor (it’ll smell like sewage) or a squishy, moist lawn. The grass right over your tank or drain field might grow super lush and green because your waste actually fertilizes it. Other signs include standing water in your drain field, slow-draining sinks and tubs, and gurgling noises in the plumbing.

Your toilet will still flush if the septic tank is full, but it might flush more slowly. It may make gurgling sounds as the wastewater slowly drains through the pipes. You may also notice the toilet clogs up more frequently when the septic tank is full, although this can also be a sign of other plumbing issues, like a clog in the pipes.

If your leach field becomes clogged or saturated, it can cause several problems with your home's septic system. The clog can cause sewage to back up into your home, leading to unpleasant odors and mess. A backed-up septic system can be a health hazard, particularly if the sewage starts to leach into the ground surrounding the leach field.

There are several ways to fix a saturated drain field, including cleaning out your septic tank, adding enzymes and additives to your drain system, and installing a larger septic system.