Septic system service: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What septic system service is

Septic system service keeps a home septic system working by inspecting the tank, baffles, pumps and drain field, and fixing or servicing the parts that are failing before sewage backs up. Many homeowners call when a drain runs slowly, the yard stays wet over the field, or a pump alarm goes off.

Signs you need it

  • Drains back up slowly, or sewage smells come up through the floor drains or the yard
  • The ground over the drain field stays soggy, stays green in a strip, or pools water after rain
  • A pump alarm or a high-water alarm sounds in the pump chamber or the control panel
  • Gurgling in the plumbing or in the tank lid area, which can mean the tank is full or the outlet is blocked
  • The septic tank has not been pumped in a long time, or the effluent filter has not been checked

What the pro does

  • Locate the tank, the lids and the drain field, and open the access risers carefully to check the liquid level and the scum layer
  • Check the inlet and outlet baffles for cracks, collapse or blockage, since a failed baffle carries solids into the field
  • Check the effluent filter and clean or replace it if it is clogged
  • Test the pump, the float switches and the alarm in the pump chamber, and replace the parts that fail
  • Check the distribution box and the drain field for surfacing or ponding, and note the condition for the customer
  • Give a written summary of the service, the readings, the parts changed and the next service date

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Tank size and the number of access lids that must be found and opened
  • Whether the pump, the float switches or the alarm must be replaced
  • Condition of the baffles, the filter and the outlet, and whether they need replacing
  • Drain field condition, including ponding, surfacing or a failing distribution box
  • Access to the tank and the pump chamber, including buried lids and tight yards
  • Whether pumping is needed at the same visit, and how full the tank is

What a written quote should spell out

  • Components checked: tank, baffles, filter, pump, float switches, alarm and distribution box
  • Parts replaced, with the part name and reason for each
  • Pumping, if included, and the volume removed
  • Condition of the drain field, with the notes on any ponding or surfacing
  • Written service report and the next recommended service date

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Where is my tank and the access lids, and are they all accessible?
  • Did you check the baffles and the effluent filter, and what did you find?
  • Is the pump working, and is the alarm tested?
  • Is the drain field showing signs of failure, and what would you watch for?
  • Does the local health authority require a service record or inspection for this system?
  • When should the next service be, based on the tank size and my household use?

Red flags

  • Pro who recommends a full system replacement without opening the tank and checking the baffles
  • Pro who pours chemicals or additives into the tank to solve a backup, which does not fix the cause
  • Pro who will not give a written service summary with the findings
  • Pro who drives or parks heavy equipment over the drain field without protecting it

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can keep a log of pump alarms, backups and pumping dates, and can avoid putting grease, wipes and chemicals into the system. Do not open the tank, enter the pump chamber, or work on the pump yourself, since septic gas can be lethal and the lids are heavy. Call a licensed septic service for any service on the system.

Licenses and permits

Septic system service is commonly done by licensed or certified septic contractors, and many areas require a permit for repair or replacement. Check with your state or local licensing agency and the local health department for the rules that apply to your system.

Septic system service questions

How often does a septic system need service?

The interval depends on the tank size, the number of people in the home, and what goes into the system. A pro can give a schedule based on your system and the last service record.

What is a baffle, and why does it matter?

A baffle is a barrier at the tank inlet and outlet that keeps scum and solids from leaving the tank. A cracked or missing baffle sends solids into the drain field, where they clog the soil.

Can I use septic additives to keep the tank working?

Most additives do not replace pumping or service, and some can harm the system. Ask the pro whether any product is useful for your tank before you add anything.

Why is the ground over my drain field wet?

A wet area can mean the field is failing, the tank is full, or a line is broken. The pro should check the tank level and the field, and tell you which one it is.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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