Your septic tank may be underground, but it should still be top of mind. Proper maintenance of your septic tank is key to avoiding costly repairs, sewage backups, and environmental hazards.
As a homeowner, there are many things you can do to maintain your septic system on your own, but not all septic work is DIY-friendly. Some projects, if completed incorrectly, may end up causing much more harm than good.
At Wholesale Septic Supply, we’ve been able to help thousands of DIYers and professionals keep septic systems operating at peak levels of performance. In this guide, we’ll break down what septic tasks are safe to DIY and which septic tasks should be left to the experts.
While you certainly should not go digging up your entire septic system or pump your own tank, routine upkeep and preventative care are totally doable, and recommended.
Excessive water may begin to overwhelm your system and reduce time for solids to settle in the septic tank.
DIY Tips:
Fix leaky faucets and toilets
Install low-flow fixtures
Spread out laundry loads across the week
Avoid long back-to-back showers
Wholesale Septic Supply recommends a water-conscious lifestyle as a first step toward long-term septic system health.
What you put down your drain matters. Bleach, antibacterial soaps, and harsh chemical-based cleaners may end up killing the good bacteria which breaks down waste.
DO Use:
Biodegradable, septic-safe detergents
Vinegar and baking soda for cleaning
Enzyme-based treatments (like Bio-Tabs)
DON’T Use:
Drain cleaners
Oil-based soaps
Anything labeled “antibacterial”
If your septic tank access is buried, you can install riser kits to help bring the lid to the ground level, allowing for easier and safer maintenance in the future.
Tools You’ll Need:
Riser kit (available from Wholesale Septic Supply)
Drill and sealant
Measuring tape and gloves
This is one of the most popular DIY upgrades, especially for older systems.
Effluent filters are able to trap solids before they enter the drainfield. Clogged filters are a common cause of slow drains and backups, yet they’re easy to clean or replace in most cases.
Steps:
Remove the access lid
Carefully pull out the filter (wear gloves)
Rinse with a hose or replace with a new one
Reseat filter and close lid
Wholesale Septic Supply stocks a wide range of effluent filters compatible with a wide variety of tanks.
Your drainfield is very important to wastewater disposal efforts, and it can be surprisingly fragile.
DIY Drainfield Rules:
No parking or driving over the area
Don’t plant trees or deep-rooted shrubs nearby
Direct gutters and downspouts away from the field
Mow the grass regularly to reduce soil compaction
Properly maintaining your drainfield is one of the most overlooked DIY septic tasks, yet it can extend the life of your septic system by multiple years.
If your septic system includes a pump tank or aerobic treatment, it most likely has a control panel or alarm system.
DIY Checks:
Test the alarm monthly
Make sure floats aren’t stuck
Reset alarms if triggered after storms
You can easily purchase replacement control panels, floats, and alarms directly from Wholesale Septic Supply for quick DIY swaps.
There’s a fine line between what is considered responsible DIY maintenance and a dangerous DIY disaster. If you're unsure of where your DIY efforts fall, it’s better to err on the side of caution to avoid damaging your system, or worse, exposing yourself to harmful bacteria and gases.
Pumping a septic tank should always be done by a licensed septic professional. Attempting to do it yourself is unsafe, potentially illegal in some areas, and extremely hazardous due to toxic gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide.
It’s a good idea to let the professionals handle this one, and schedule the pumping every 3-5 years, or sooner, depending on household size and usage.
If you notice:
Wet or soggy ground over the drainfield
Strong sewage odors
Gurgling pipes or slow drainage throughout the home
…it’s time to call a septic technician. DIY fixes won’t restore a failed drainfield, and digging into it will likely cause irreversible damage.
Even if you’re feeling extra ambitious, leave any major structural repairs to the professionals.
Why?
Tanks are deep, heavy, and dangerous
Digging without permits can violate local codes
A cracked or leaking tank must be professionally sealed or replaced
Instead, focus on above-ground maintenance, and order your replacement parts from Wholesale Septic Supply today.
If your system includes various forms of wiring, aerators, or control panels, you should stick to simple swaps. Anything beyond that, especially involving complicated hardwired connections or breaker boxes, should be handled by a licensed electrician or installer.
Warning: Incorrect wiring can fry your pump, damage the panel, or create fire and shock hazards.
|
Task |
DIY Safe? |
Frequency |
|
Monitor water usage |
✅ Yes |
Ongoing |
|
Use septic-safe cleaners |
✅ Yes |
Always |
|
Inspect effluent filter |
✅ Yes |
Every 6–12 months |
|
Clean/replace effluent filter |
✅ Yes |
As needed |
|
Add biological treatment |
✅ Yes |
Monthly |
|
Install riser/access lid |
✅ With care |
One-time |
|
Check alarm/panel |
✅ Yes |
Monthly |
|
Pump tank |
❌ No |
Every 3–5 years |
|
Repair cracked lid/tank wall |
❌ No |
As needed |
|
Dig up or modify drainfield |
❌ No |
Never without pro |
✅ Affordable prices on name-brand parts
✅ Quick shipping across the U.S.
✅ Live customer support to answer your questions
✅ Compatible parts for most major systems
✅ Trusted by homeowners and licensed installers alike
Whether you're replacing a filter, upgrading your risers, or troubleshooting your alarm system, Wholesale Septic Supply has what you need with our fast delivery, quality septic parts, and amazing USA-based customer service.
DIY septic care can certainly save you time and money, yet it’s critical to know what is safe and what is not safe to DIY. Regular maintenance tasks such as checking filters, using the right cleaners, and monitoring your system can go a long way in preventing emergencies.
When you need septic parts from a trusted supplier, choose Wholesale Septic Supply for reliable components, fair pricing, and real expertise.
Leave a comment