Owning a septic system made me realize that maintenance is something worth planning for rather than thinking about only when a problem appears. Knowing the tank location, keeping track of pumping, and watching for changes in drainage can prevent a lot of unnecessary trouble. I also found Septic.ca useful as a reference for septic pumping, inspections, maintenance, and repair services. A little preparation can make septic ownership much less stressful.
RE: DIY-Retirement