Septic tank preventative maintenance There are very few homeowners who ever remember the importance of regular septic tank maintenance; doing so is a good practice that helps in preventing sewage backup, overflow as well as helping in the prevention of related health hazards. In the ideal sense, septic tank draining should be done every three to four years. This is normally a manageable procedure that is provided by septic pumping companies. As a homeowner, your responsibility is to learn the way the entire system works so you can notice a problem as soon as it occurs. Nipping problems in the bud ensures a hassle free operation. There are several things you need to know regarding septic maintenance.