What to Do When Your Septic Tank Alarm Goes Off
A septic tank alarm is a warning that there's a problem with your septic system, and it should never be ignored. A septic tank alarm will sound when the water level in your tank gets too high, indicating that your system needs attention. So, what should you do when your septic tank alarm goes off? Here are a few steps to take.
Step 1: Find the Source of the Alarm
The first thing to do is to locate the source of the alarm. Most septic tank alarms are mounted on the outside of the home, close to the tank itself. You'll need to listen carefully to hear the alarm and then follow the sound to its source. If you're not sure where your septic tank is located, check your home's blueprints or ask your local septic company for assistance.
Step 2: Check the Circuit Breaker
If your septic tank alarm is hardwired into your home's electrical system, check the circuit breaker to ensure that the alarm hasn't tripped due to a power outage or electrical issue. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it and wait a few minutes to see if the alarm stops. If it doesn't, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Call a Septic Company
If the alarm continues to sound even after you've reset the circuit breaker, you'll need to call a septic company for assistance. Septic Blue can help you diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action. Don't try to fix the problem yourself, as septic systems are complex and require specialized knowledge and equipment to repair.
Step 4: Prepare for the Septic Company's Visit
Once you've called a septic company, there are a few things you can do to prepare for their visit. First, turn off any water sources in your home, including faucets, toilets, and appliances that use water. This will help prevent further damage to your septic system. Second, clear the area around your septic tank to make it easier for the workers to access and inspect the system. Finally, make sure that someone is home to greet the workers when they arrive.
Step 5: Follow the Septic Company's Recommendations
When the experts arrive at your home, they'll inspect your system and diagnose the problem. Depending on the issue, they may recommend that you have your septic tank pumped, repaired, or replaced. If your septic tank needs to be pumped, they will typically perform this service on the same day as the visit.
Septic tank pumping is a crucial maintenance task that should be performed every 3-5 years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. Regular pumping helps prevent backups and other septic system issues, so if you haven't had septic tank pumping recently, this may be the cause of your septic tank alarm.
In some cases, a septic tank alarm may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a damaged drain field or clogged septic lines. In these cases, the septic company may need to excavate and repair the system, which can be costly and time-consuming. However, it's important to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to your home and property.
Take Action
If your septic tank alarm goes off, don't ignore it. Instead, follow the steps outlined above to diagnose the problem and take the appropriate action. By working with Septic Blue and following our recommendations, you can ensure that your septic system is functioning properly and avoid costly repairs and backups in the future.
