Septic and well water, explained state by state

Plain-English guides, free tools and official state rules for homes without city water or sewer.

Septic

How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?Septic Alarm Going Off? What to Do Right NowSeptic Pumping Cost: What Affects the PriceSeptic Inspection When Buying a House

Well Water

Well Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs (Sulfur)? Causes & FixesLow Well Water Pressure: Troubleshooting Guide

States

IllinoisFull guideIowaFull guideMassachusettsKey rulesMinnesotaKey rulesNew JerseyKey rules

Tools

Septic Pumping Interval CalculatorEstimate how often to pump your septic tank from tank size and household size, using the published extension table (Mancl 1984 via Ohio State Extension).Well Water Smell Diagnosis ToolAnswer a few questions to narrow down why your well water smells like rotten eggs, chlorine, fish, or something musty, and what to test for.Which Well Water Test Should I Buy?Pick the right well water test for your situation: annual check, new baby, buying a home, near farms, fuel or industry, or odor and staining.Home Buyer Septic & Well ChecklistA printable checklist for buying a home with a septic system and private well: records, inspections, water tests and contract contingencies.
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