Septic systems are remarkably reliable when you treat them right. Use this checklist to keep yours running for 30+ years instead of failing at year 10.
Monthly tasks
Check your aerobic system control panel — green light steady, no alarm.
Walk the drain field and look for wet spots, surfacing effluent, or unusual smells.
Verify the chlorinator on aerobic systems is loaded with tablets (NSF-certified septic-grade only).
Quarterly tasks
For aerobic systems: your licensed maintenance provider should be on site every 90 days (required by Texas rule). They'll log sludge depth, chlorine residual, and aerator function.
Conserve water during heavy-use weeks — long showers and back-to-back loads of laundry overload the tank.
Annual tasks
Have the effluent filter cleaned (DIY or part of a maintenance visit).
Schedule a maintenance inspection if you don't have an active aerobic contract.
Inspect the drain field for tree roots, parked vehicles, or new landscaping that shouldn't be there.
Every 3–5 years
Pump the tank. Have the technician measure sludge depth and update your pumping schedule based on the result.
Replace effluent filter media if degraded.
Confirm risers and lids are secure and accessible to grade.
Things to avoid year-round
Flushable wipes (none of them are truly flushable for septic).
Grease, paint, solvents, harsh drain cleaners, and excessive bleach.
Driving or building over the tank or drain field.
Connecting roof drains, gutters, or sump pumps into the septic system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a maintenance contract for an aerobic system?+
Yes. Texas Administrative Code requires aerobic systems to have an active maintenance contract with quarterly inspections. Lapsing the contract puts you out of compliance with county rules.
Are bacteria additives helpful?+
Most healthy systems don't need them. Heavy bleach or antibiotic use can knock back the bacterial colony — in that case, a one-time additive can help re-seed it.
Should I have the drain field professionally cleaned?+
Not as a routine task. Jetting or aeration is a repair done when the field is showing stress, not preventive maintenance.