Septic questions
The worst thing for a septic tank is letting solids build up and sending the wrong materials into the system. EPA says a typical household septic tank should generally be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on household size, wastewater volume, solids, and tank size. See our guides and the pumping calculator.
Additives
Additives are not a substitute for pumping and record keeping. EPA guidance focuses on regular care, so the safer habit is to follow maintenance steps instead of relying on products to solve buildup. If you want help organizing notes, start with the guide library.
What to avoid
Avoid putting materials into the tank that add unnecessary solids or interfere with normal septic function. The EPA care guide is the source for routine upkeep, and the main takeaway is to protect the system by limiting buildup and following a pumping plan.
Pumping
EPA says a typical household septic tank should generally be pumped every 3 to 5 years, with the exact timing depending on your household and system. If you want to estimate timing for your home, use the septic pumping calculator.
Well questions
CDC and EPA say a private well should be tested at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH. Private wells are not regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, so the owner is responsible for testing and treatment. See the well test schedule.
Testing
Annual testing is the baseline recommendation from CDC and EPA for private wells. If you are setting up reminders, the test schedule page can help you keep the checklist in one place.
Retests
If a result or a local situation changes, retesting may be needed, but your county or a licensed water professional should guide the next step. For a simple reminder workflow, use the schedule tool.
Home sale questions
For a home sale, keep your septic and well records together so a buyer, agent, or inspector can review them quickly. The safest approach is to save what you have and ask your county or licensed inspector what they want to see. You can also contact support if you need help organizing documents.
Records
Good records make it easier to show maintenance history, test results, and service dates. If you are building a folder for a future sale, start a simple document set and keep it with your home files.
Inspection
An inspection can focus on different things depending on local rules and the property, so the final word belongs to the inspector or county. If you are preparing for that step, use the app waitlist page to learn how the records feature is meant to help: join the waitlist.
App and data questions
Septic & Well is being built around reminders, records, and a PDF report, with one free system included. The waitlist is the place to learn more, and you can also review the current site pages before signing up. For updates, visit get the app.
No account, local data
The app is designed to keep home-specific upkeep in one place rather than scattered across notes. If you have questions about how information will be handled, check support or sign up through the waitlist page.
Rules differ by state and county. This is not legal advice. Confirm with your local health department or the state page.