That high-pitched beeping sound coming from your septic system isn’t something to ignore. Trust us, we’ve seen what happens when King County WA homeowners ignore their system’s alarm.
This is what you should do immediately when your septic alarm goes off:
- Don’t panic! Act fast, but stay calm.
- Reduce water usage immediately. Stop running dishwashers, washing machines, showers, etc.
- Locate and silence the alarm. It’ll be on your system’s panel, usually on the side of your house.
- Check for electrical issues. Take a look at your circuit breaker and power supplies for anything that’s tripped or unplugged.
- Call septic experts. They’ll know exactly what to do to get your system back on track, and safely.
Whatever the cause of your alarm going off, it’s best to let the professionals handle your system so you can stay safe and clean.
We at Puget Sound Septic understand the panic that comes with a septic system alarm going off. That’s why we’re here to share more details on what to do when it goes off so you can save yourself from a messy disaster.
What Is a Septic Alarm For?
Think of your septic alarm as your system’s early warning system. It’s there to alert you before sewage starts backing up into your house.
The alarm monitors the water level in your pump chamber. So when water rises above a certain point, it means something’s preventing your system from moving wastewater properly.
Without an alarm, you might not know there’s a problem until sewage is bubbling up in your shower or pooling in your yard.
Why Is My Septic System Alarm Going Off?
Overusage is probably our number one reason why we get emergency calls. Your septic system can only handle so much water usage at once. So when you overwhelm it, the water level in your pump tank rises too high.
High water levels are common with these calls, especially with our famous PNW rain. When the ground is saturated, your drain field can’t absorb water properly. This can cause a backup that’ll trigger your septic’s alarm.
Pump failure is another common cause of an alarm going off. When your septic pump stops working, everything can back up. Pumps can fail for many reasons, from old age to electrical issues.
Accidental disconnection happens more often than you think. Maybe someone was doing yard work and accidentally unplugged the pump, or flipped a switch they shouldn’t have. Make sure to check these things while you’re on the phone with septic experts.
Power outages or electrical issues are particularly common during our winter storms. Since septic pumps need electricity to work, they’ll stop when the power goes out. And when that happens, the tank will keep filling with water from your house and trigger the alarm.
System overload is what we call it when multiple issues pile up. Maybe your tank hasn’t been pumped for years, your drain field is struggling, and then you add extra water usage on top of it all. It can be the perfect storm for your septic system.
What does a septic alarm look like?
Most septic alarms are small boxes (about the size of a doorbell), mounted on the outside of your house or right next to the access port (as seen above).
They’ll have a red light that flashes when there’s a problem.
Some newer models have digital displays that show error codes.
What does a septic alarm sound like?
Septic alarms have their own distinct sound, so they won’t sound like exactly your smoke detector or security system.
Most septic alarms have a high-pitched, continuous beeping. Some homeowners have described it as a louder, more urgent smoke detector.
It’s important to note that some models emit chirping sounds or intermittent beeps for specific issues. Check your system’s manual to find out which sounds to listen for.
When to Call Septic Professionals
If you’ve checked the obvious things: circuit breakers, power supply, and water usage, but the alarm is still going off, it’s time to call in the experts. But don’t wait if you notice any of these signs along with your alarm:
- Sewage odors in your house or yard
- Water backing up in drains
- Toilets not flushing properly
- Wet spot in your yard near the septic system
These are all signs of more serious problems that require professional attention immediately.
Puget Sound Septic has a 24-hour emergency service. Call us if you’re having any of these issues: 425-806-9009
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FAQs
What happens if I ignore my septic alarm?
It’s like ignoring your car’s check engine light, but usually much messier. Depending on which issues your septic system has, you could face raw sewage backing up into your home or permanent damage to your system.
Can I still use water if my septic alarm goes off?
You should minimize water use as much as possible when your septic alarm goes off. Every gallon of water used can make your septic issue worse if it’s overwhelmed. You can still flush a toilet, but avoid anything that requires a lot of water (like doing laundry).
Can You Use a Hydro Jetter on Concrete Pipes?
Unfortunately, hydro jetting is not recommended for septic systems that use concrete pipes. Concrete pipes are more prone to cracking under high pressure than plastic pipes, leading to costly repairs and more serious damage. If your septic system uses concrete pipes, call us for recommendations on alternative cleaning methods to maintain your system.
How long should I wait before calling for septic service?
Really, you shouldn’t wait at all. As soon as you’ve done the basic troubleshooting, give a professional (like Puget Sound Septic) a call. Even if it turns out to be a simple fix, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Will heavy rains always trigger my septic alarm?
While heavy rains can trigger your septic alarm, they really shouldn’t if your system is working properly. A well-maintained septic system with a properly functioning drain field should handle rainfall without issue.
Have more questions? Read more of our frequently asked questions here.
We Help Fix and Prevent Septic Disasters
Hearing that alarm go off can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what it means or what to do about it.
Puget Sound Septic’s team of certified professionals is available 24/7 for emergency service. We use state-of-the-art equipment to quickly diagnose and fix septic issues so you can get back to your life. And if you want to prevent future issues, we’re here to perform preventative maintenance (which we highly recommend in King County WA).
Give us a call right away, and we’ll take the hassle out of your septic situation!
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