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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.

There are a few signs that indicate a failing drain field. For instance, if your septic tank starts requiring more pumping than normal, your drain field might be failing. Other signs to watch for include poor drainage after rain, standing water or sewage over the septic system, a strong septic smell outside, new and healthy grass growing over the drain field, and plumbing backups in your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets.

The septic tank needs to be pumped at least every three to five years. If the septic tank is too small for the property, you might find it needs to be pumped more frequently, and during an inspection, a septic company may recommend updating your system to a larger septic tank. While 750-gallon tanks used to be standard, septic tanks with a 1,250-gallon capacity are now more common.

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.