Septic Tank

A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system commonly found in homes without access to municipal sewer lines. It handles everything from daily drainage to waste breakdown, requiring regular pumping, inspections, and occasional repairs to keep things flowing smoothly. Whether you're troubleshooting a backup or scheduling routine maintenance, Angi connects you with local pros and helpful guides to keep your system running right.

Related to Septic Tank Service

Septic Tank Service Articles and Advice
Taylor Freitas  •  Aug 9, 2026
How Much Does a Concrete Septic Tank Cost? [2026 Data]
Concrete is one of the longest-lasting septic tank materials. Find out concrete septic tank prices for your wastewater management project.
Mary Beth Eastman  •  Aug 9, 2026
5 Signs of Septic Backup and What to Do About It
Notice foul odors, slow drains, or wet spots near your septic tank? These could be signs of a septic backup. Learn what to look for and how to fix it.
Mitchell Grant  •  Aug 9, 2026
How Much Does an Ejector Pump Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]
Size, materials, and labor all determine the costs of an ejector pump replacement. Follow this guide to help you find the right ejector pump for your budget.
Taylor Freitas  •  Aug 5, 2026
Concrete Septic Tank Sizes: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
Not sure what size septic tank to buy? Let’s break down the most common concrete septic tank sizes so you can pick the right one based on your needs.
Mika Deneige  •  Aug 4, 2026
Cistern vs. Septic Tank: How To Choose the Right System for Your Home
Want to know more about your sewage? Explore the differences between cisterns vs. septic tanks before choosing a sewage containment system for your home.
Paige Bennett  •  Aug 4, 2026
7 Common Leach Field Problems and What You Can Do to Fix Them
A leach field treats and disperses water from a septic system. Find out more about seven common leach field problems and how they can impact your septic system.
Deane Biermeier  •  Aug 4, 2026
How Long Do Septic Tanks Last? Here’s the Average Lifespan
How long do septic tanks last? It’s a valid question for those who have one. The answer is it varies between 15 and 50 years, depending on several factors.
Melissa Graham  •  Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Locate a Septic Tank? [2026 Data]
If it’s been there for a while, it can be hard to find the septic tank in your yard. Learn how much it costs to locate a septic tank with this guide.
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Common Septic Tank Service Questions

Several things can ruin a septic tank over time, including dumping harsh chemicals (like bleach and ammonia), pesticides, and paint thinners down your drain because they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank. You should also make sure to only flush waste and toilet paper in your toilet—otherwise, you could clog your system.

Pumping involves opening the tank lid, removing solids and wastewater, and inspecting components for wear or damage to maintain optimal function.

Most septic tanks need to be emptied every 3 to 5 years, but it’s a good idea to monitor the fill levels of your septic tank all the time. You can do this by installing a pressure level sensor to detect the internal tank pressure, or by having a septic tank company perform an annual inspection to let you know when you’ll need to pump the tank.

When a septic tank is full, it needs to be professionally pumped. The average cost of a one-time septic tank pump is about $400, or $0.30 per gallon. If your septic tank is full, you may notice that you have issues flushing your toilet, pipes are draining very slowly, or you have a sewage smell lingering in your home or yard.

Baking soda does very little to nothing for a septic tank, but it can help unclog a drain or clean out a garbage disposal. Rotten tomatoes and yeast are the best ways to increase the bacteria in your septic tank naturally. You can add these to your system once every three months.