Septic Tank FAQs for New Homeowners

November 6, 2017

Septic — Manhole Plastic Cover in the Garden Lawn in Meridian, MS

If you're used to owning a home with a sewer and are now buying a home with a septic tank, you might be feeling a little intimidated by the change. Know what a septic tank is, how it is different from a sewer and what you can do to care for your septic tank so you can take care of your new home.

HOW IS A SEPTIC TANK DIFFERENT FROM A SEWER?

A septic tank is an underground tank that holds waste water. Septic tanks are attached to individual buildings and homes, and are maintained by the homeowner. These plumbing systems are commonly used in rural areas.

A sewer typically consists of underground pipes and waterways and are connected to all the homes and businesses in a community. The sewer takes waste water to a treatment facility where it is purified and used again. Sewers are commonly used in urban areas.

HOW DOES A SEPTIC TANK WORK?

Water flows into the septic tank and then separates into three layers: sludge at the bottom, refuse in the middle and scum at the top. When the refuse in the middle reaches a certain height, it runs into the drain field and is distributed through the soil. Bacteria in the tank helps break down the sludge, but over time, the sludge in the bottom will begin to build.

WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE DOES A SEPTIC TANK REQUIRE?

A septic tank must be pumped regularly in order to work properly. If it is not pumped periodically, sludge in the septic tank may build up and eventually clog the drain field.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE SEPTIC TANK NEED TO BE PUMPED?

Septic tanks need to be pumped every 2 to 3 years, or as often as your septic tank professional recommends. The size of your tank, number of people in your household and your lifestyle habits all can affect the frequency with which your tank must be emptied.

If you're new to your home, consult with a septic tank professional. He or she can assess your needs and make this determination for you.

SHOULD YOU AVOID FLUSHING ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP DOWN A SEPTIC TANK?

Antibacterial soap, cleaning products and antibiotics all can kill bacteria in the tank. This bacteria helps break down sludge, so removing bacteria can cause your tank to clog faster and may also require your tank to be pumped more frequently. Don’t flush any cleaning products or medications down the drains.

In addition, you should never flush tampons, diapers, cat litter or feminine hygiene products into your septic tank. These items all cause clogs.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A CLOG IN THE SEPTIC TANK?

Signs of a clog in the septic tank are similar to signs of a clog in a sewer. Warning signs include:

Standing water has appeared in the yard over the septic tank.
The drains in the home seem to clog all at once. The lowest drains in the house will be affected first.
The drains make strange gurgling noises deep in the pipes.
The yard smells like sewage.
Water from one plumbing fixture drains into another plumbing fixture, instead of draining into the septic tank.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumber for septic tank pumping or repair right away.

WHERE CAN YOU GET MORE SEPTIC TANK INFORMATION?

If you're thinking about buying a home with a septic tank, or if you have already bought a home with a septic tank and need information about maintaining it, contact Roto-Rooter Sewer Service today. We can help make sure your septic tank is in great condition and answer your questions.

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Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!