[stomachmonkey]

1st house was a new build with brand new septic tank.

Nothing but trouble. The soil was clay and did not absorb well. Heavy rains and a lot of snow melt off played havoc with it.

Had to have it pumped several times over 12 years. New owner had to have it replaced a year after he bought it from me.

As noted by previous posters, no garbage disposal, regular Rid Ex treatments, do not put coffee grounds down the drain, avoid the use of anti bacterial soaps. Coffee grinds and anti bacterial soaps will kill the bacteria that keeps it functioning properly.

Here's a big one, does all the waste water from the house go into it? Ideally the septic tank is plumbed for toilets only. All other drains like sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, showers will go to a grey water tank which can be used for other purposes like watering your lawn.