Many homeowners have little understanding of, or interest in, the operation of their waste disposal systems until problems arise. Sewage backed up in the drains or a seeping, smelly area in the yard is an unpleasant and often expensive introduction to the ABCs of septic system maintenance.

Septic Tank Clean Out
Even the best designed and operated septic system will fail if the sludge and floating scum are not periodically pumped from the tank. If not removed, solids will overflow into and clog the
soil absorption field.

Generally septic tanks should be cleaned out every 3-5 years, depending on the size of the tank and the amount and quality of solids entering it. As a rule of thumb, the clean out interval can be determined on the basis of 100 gallons of tank capacity per person per year.  For example, a 1000-gallon tank used by a family of two should be cleaned after 5 years (1000 / (100 x 2)). (Note: Use of garbage disposals increases solids loading by about 50 percent!). Commercial septic tank additives will not eliminate the need for periodic clean out.

Septic tank cleaning should be done by reputable septic service companies or experienced operators with appropriate equipment. Their service usually includes pumping, inspection of tank openings and baffles, and disposal of the sludge in an approved manner.  They should leave 6-8 inches of liquid in the tank after plumbing as "seed" to speed up decomposition when operation resumes.

Septic Tank Safety
Hydrogen sulfide and methane gases can be generated in a septic tank, and they are extremely dangerous!  You could be poisoned by breathing hydrogen sulfide fumes, therefore,
never lean into or enter a septic tank, particularly during pumping. Methane is an explosive; so don't use torches or other flames near the opening of a septic tank.

A well-designed and constructed private home waste disposal system, properly maintained, should provide years of trouble-free dependable service.