Septic 101
The few things that keep it working, and what to do when it doesn’t.
Backing up right now?
- Stop the waterNo flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher.
- Find where it's backing upOnly an upstairs drain? Likely a house clog. The lowest drain? Likely the septic.
- Keep everyone awaySewage carries germs. Keep kids and pets out.
- Call or text usWe answer day or night and tell you the price first.
Don’t
- Never lean into or climb into a tank. The gases can kill in minutes.
- Don't pour in drain openers or septic additives.
- Don't pile dirt on a wet spot or drive over the drain field.
- Don't touch sewage without gloves.
After a backup, clean with 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and keep the area out of use for a day after it dries.
How it works, in one picture
- 1House drainEverything from toilets, sinks and laundry flows here.
- 2TankSolids sink (sludge), grease floats (scum), and the liquid in between moves on. Georgia's current rules call for two compartments and an effluent filter.
- 3BafflesKeep scum and solids in the tank. A broken one sends solids to the field.
- 4Distribution boxSplits the liquid evenly into the drain lines.
- 5Drain fieldGravel trenches let the liquid soak into the soil, which cleans it.
Pumping takes out the sludge and scum before they reach the drain field. A failed drain field is the expensive part.
When to pump
Most homes: every 3 to 5 years. With a pump or alarm, have it checked every year.
Tap your answers
Pump about every 2½ years for 4 people. When was it last pumped?
Estimate for a year-round home, from Georgia DPH homeowner's guide and Oregon State University Extension EC 1343 (2022). Garbage disposals mean more often.
Toilet paper only
Think at the sink
Go easy on the garbage disposal. It means pumping more often.
Shield your field
- No cars or parking
- No trees or shrubs
- Gutters pointed away
Warning signs
- Slow drains
- Gurgling pipes
- Sewage smell outside
- Soggy ground over the field
- Extra-green grass over the field
- Alarm going off
See one? Call before it backs up.
Skip the additives
Georgia’s health department says septic additives, cleaners, yeast and sugar aren’t necessary, and some may be harmful. Regular pumping is what works.