Most folks I meet don’t think much about their septic system until it’s too late.

And I get it. You’ve got a million other things going on. If it flushes, it’s working, right?

Not exactly.

Your septic system isn’t like your truck. It won’t make a noise or throw a warning light when something’s off. It’ll sit there quietly… until one day, it won’t. And by the time you smell something funny or see a puddle where it shouldn’t be, the damage is already done.

So here’s the septic maintenance checklist I wish every landowner followed. It’s simple, takes less than 10 minutes to understand, and can save you thousands in repairs later.

Why Septic Maintenance Isn’t Optional (Even If It Feels Like It Is)

Let’s be real. No one wants to think about sewage.

It’s underground, out of sight, and easy to ignore, especially if you’ve never had a problem. But just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it’s not wearing down over time.

Every flush, every load of laundry, every long shower… it all adds up.

And if you’re on a rural property with no municipal backup plan, a failed septic system isn’t just inconvenient, it can make your land unusable until it’s fixed.

Did You Know (From Colin):
One property owner waited eight years to pump his system. Everything seemed fine, until sludge backed up into his drain field. That one missed maintenance cost him $7,300 in excavation and repairs.

The No-BS Septic Maintenance Checklist

Here’s the stuff that actually matters. If you’re not doing these, your septic system is running blind.

Pump Your Tank Based on Reality, Not Guesswork

The golden rule? Pump it before you notice a problem.

• 1–2 people in home: Pump every 3–5 years
• 3–5 people: Every 2–3 years
• 6+ or heavy use (farmhouse, workshop, etc.): Every 1–2 years

Bonus Tip: If you’ve had guests over, hosted a big party, or used more water than normal — move your next pump up.

Insider Tip From Colin:
Don’t wait for your drains to gurgle or slow down. By then, you’re already dealing with a backed-up system. I’ve never had a client regret pumping too early… only too late.

Walk Your Drain Field Every Season

Yeah, I know it’s not exciting. But a quick look can tell you a lot.

• Soggy ground or standing water? Red flag.
• Lush, green grass that’s way healthier than the rest? That’s not good. That means your system is probably leaking.
• Any odors? Time to call.

Don’t wait until your yard smells like a truck stop.

Watch What Goes In — Especially From the Kitchen and Bathroom

Here’s the unsexy truth: your septic system can’t break down everything.

Stuff to absolutely avoid flushing or draining:

• “Flushable” wipes (they aren’t)
• Grease, fat, or oil
• Bleach or harsh drain cleaners
• Feminine hygiene products
• Excess food scraps
• Kitty litter
• Paint or motor oil (yes, people do this)

Even soap buildup can throw off the natural bacteria balance that breaks down waste.

Keep a Simple Service Log

You don’t need a fancy app. Just a notebook or Google Doc will do.

Track:

• Last pump date
• Number of people in the house
• Any plumbing issues you’ve had
• Inspections or maintenance done
• Any signs you’ve noticed (smells, backups, gurgles)

It’ll save you a ton of guesswork (and cost) later, and if you ever sell the place, the buyer will thank you.

The Maintenance Myth That Costs the Most

“If it’s working, leave it alone.”

That logic works for a lightbulb. Not a septic tank.

The systems I’ve had to rip out and replace were almost always because someone “didn’t want to mess with it until there was a problem.”

Here’s the issue: once your tank is full of solids, they push into the drain field, clog the soil, and create a failure that’s not fixable with a pump. At that point, you’re looking at replacement… and depending on your property, that could run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000+.

Not Sure If You’re Behind?

Here’s a quick gut check. If you answer “yes” to two or more of these, you’re likely overdue:

• Can’t remember the last time you pumped
• You’ve noticed slow drains or occasional gurgling
• Yard has patches of very green, very soft grass
• You’ve had extra guests or big water use this year
• You’ve never inspected the system visually

Still not sure? Grab the Time To Pump? Guide — it includes the Septic Health Score™, a quick DIY test I built to help you figure out exactly where you stand.

What To Do Next

If everything seems fine, that’s great. You’ve got time! But don’t wait too long.

If something in this checklist raised an eyebrow, even just a little… I’d recommend a free on-site look.

It’s simple, quick, and zero pressure. I promise.

📞 Call Colin at (636) 584-9077
Or 👉 Schedule online here
Just mention the Time To Pump? guide or this blog — I’ll know exactly where to start.