The trick with a septic system is to remember that your dealing with a living system. You have to treat it right, a balanced diet, and don't give it substances that would harm you because you'll kill bacteria in the tank. DON'T put one of those bottles with blue fluid thingies in your toilet tank. It kills bacteria.

If you use a lot of oils, grease, and animal protein in meals or cooking, it might be time for a septic pumping.

If you get a septic tank aroma over your field lines in means you may have waited too long--the grease has gone into the field lines. Or you used too much bleach. Or poured herbacide down the drain. Etc.

Somebody said "Ridex". That's good $hit, man. It has all kinds of high-class bacteria tailored for septic tanks. It comes in two strains, one for aerobic systems and the other for anerobic systems. If you can find only one choice then buy it. It will just take a little longer to sort itself out.

Beer only works if it is unpasteurized. Most American beers are pasteurized. The neat thing about unpasteurized beer is you can drink it except for the last swallow or so because that sludge in the bottom is dormant yeast. The rest is just yummy beer. Just pour a little water in the nearly empty bottle and shake that sludge into suspension and pour it down the toilet. I recommend at least a couple of pints. Even if it doesn't help the tank, you'll feel great about the whole thing.