Septic tanks, believe it or not, are intelligent systems that rely on a balance of scum, effluent and sludge. When you put stuff down the drains of your home – toilets, showers, laundry machines, etc., it flows into the septic tank where solids are intercepted and allowed to settle before the disposal of the waste water. When your septic tank starts to build-up with sludge, it will reduce the efficiency of your tank, and possibly lead to a backup. A septic tank inspection done at regular intervals can nip this problem in the bud.