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While the lifespan of your septic system will depend on a variety of factors, including how well you keep up with regular inspections and maintenance, it will eventually need replacement. Most septic tanks can last between 20 and 30 years, and under good circumstances, a septic drainage field may last up to 50. On average, though, about every 30 years or so, a major septic renovation will be necessary.

A septic tank always has some amount of liquid in it—which should usually be 8 to 12 inches from the top of the tank. If the liquid level is higher than that or is overflowing the drainage pipe that leads out to the leach field, the tank may be too full and in need of pumping.

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.

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.