1. Pump Your Tank Regularly

This is the number one way to protect your system, and it’s often the most overlooked. A healthy septic system starts with proper maintenance. Your septic tank collects all the solids and waste from your home, and over time, it fills up. If it’s not pumped regularly, solids can start to overflow into the disposal field, causing major damage.

Most homes need their tanks pumped every two to three years, but that can vary based on usage, household size, and tank capacity. If you’ve recently bought a home and don’t know when it was last pumped, give us a call. We can help you figure out the right schedule based on your system’s needs.

And remember: the tank needs to be pumped through the actual lids, not through a clean-out or small pipe. That’s the only way to do it right.

Part of your septic pumping service with HomeField is cleaning the effluent filter. A healthy septic system needs a clean filter to function properly, this should be done at least once a year.

2. Conserve Water Where You Can

Using a lot of water in a short amount of time can overload your system. Your septic tank works best with a steady flow, not a flood. Too much water at once can stir up solids and push them into the disposal field before they’ve had a chance to settle.

You can reduce strain on your system by fixing leaky fixtures, using low-flow showerheads and toilets, and spacing out your laundry. A good rule of thumb is no more than two loads of laundry per day, especially if your system is older or heavily used.

Little changes in your water habits can make a big impact on system performance.

3. Watch What You Flush

This one’s big for a healthy septic system. Your toilet is not a trash can. The only things that should be flushed are the 3 P’s: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. That means no wipes (even the “flushable” ones), no feminine products, no tissues, no dental floss, no cotton balls, and nothing else.

These items don’t break down the way toilet paper does, and they can clog up your tank or lines quickly. It’s also important not to pour grease, oils, or food scraps down the drain. These materials can coat your pipes and disrupt the bacteria in your tank that break down waste.

We also get a lot of questions about additives and tank treatments. Here’s the deal: you don’t need them. In fact, they often do more harm than good by interfering with the natural bacteria that make your system work.

4. Avoid Overloading the System

If you have extra guests staying with you or your household size has grown, your system will have to work harder to keep up. That’s why you need to stay intentional about how and when you use water.

Try to avoid stacking up water-heavy activities, like showering, laundry, and running the dishwasher all at once. Spreading these tasks out gives your system time to recover between uses.

You also want to avoid sending unnecessary solids down the line. The fewer non-biodegradable items you flush, the better.

5. Get Regular Inspections

Even if your system seems to be working just fine, a regular inspection is key to catching small problems before they become big ones. A licensed professional will check your tank, disposal field, and all accessible components to make sure everything is functioning as it should.

Most septic systems need an inspection every two to three years. This is especially important if you’re buying or selling a home, planning an addition, or haven’t had your tank pumped in a while.

An inspection is also a great time to ask questions and make sure you understand where everything is and how it works.

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Looking after your septic system can be simple. A few smart habits and regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your system.

At HomeField Onsite Environmental, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s routine pumping, inspections, or just answering your questions, we’ve got your back. Let’s keep things flowing, the right way.