A properly maintained system should be pumped-out and inspected every 3 to 5 years. Advanced systems or ones that have pumps and/or filters may require service more often.

These may show themselves in many ways but the most common is an unusual increase in your water bill. This may indicate a leaky toilet flap in most cases, which in turn put excess fresh water into the septic system causing the absorption field (a.k.a. field lines) to become over-saturated and incapable of operating properly. The recommended fix is to replace the toilet flap and pump the septic tank thus allowing drying-out time for the lines.

Another common indicator is a gurgling sound when the toilet is flushed or the washing machine empties or the bath tub is emptied. This is your sign that a back-up is forthcoming and it's time to have your septic pumped and inspected.