Hearing your septic alarm go off can be concerning, with flashing lights and loud noises suddenly coming from your system. While the cause can range from overflowing wastewater to a simple wire malfunction, it’s important to act fast to avoid costly repairs, property damage, and potential health hazards.
In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to take when your septic alarm starts going off, tips to reset your system, and signs it’s time to call the experts at Ricky Heath for inspection.
Understanding Your Septic System Alarm
The alarm is a key safety component of your septic system that alerts you to problems with the wastewater levels inside the tank. When water levels rise too high, the alarm triggers a warning noise that helps you take action before the tank overflows or damages the system.
In normal circumstances, wastewater enters and fills your septic tank until it reaches a set point, where it’s then moved to the drain field by the pump. If the water levels get too high and the pump doesn’t activate, the sensor triggers the alarm. When the alarm goes off, you’ll often see a flashing light and hear a loud buzzer or siren.
Common Reasons Your Septic Alarm Is Going Off
While high wastewater levels are the main reason the tank alarm on your septic system goes off, there are a few other culprits that can cause it to trigger. Some of the most common causes include:
- Heavy rain or flooding: Excessive rainfall or flooding on your property can overwhelm your septic system with groundwater, raising the water level in the tank and triggering the alarm.
- Power outages: Your septic tank relies on electricity, so an outage or tripped breaker can switch off the pump, causing wastewater levels to rise excessively and trigger the alarm.
- Heavy water usage: Using too many appliances at the same time, taking long showers, or having guests over can overwhelm your septic system and cause levels to rise too high.
- Component malfunctions: If the septic pump or float switch fails due to age, electrical issues, or a blockage, it can cause an imbalance in water levels that activates the alarm.
- Wiring problems: Loose or disconnected wires can cause the alarm to falsely trigger without any actual wastewater issues.
Immediate Steps To Take When the Alarm Sounds
Acting quickly when your septic alarm sounds helps prevent costly damage and keeps your system running smoothly. When you hear the warning noise, take the following steps:
- Step one: Silence the alarm. Locate the alarm control panel and press the red button inside the box to turn off the alarm.
- Step two: Check for power. Look for a green light inside the control panel to confirm your septic system has electricity.
- Step three: Inspect the area. Locate your septic tank’s burial site and inspect for leaks, standing water, or other visible issues.
- Step four: Reduce water usage. If you know you’ve been using more water than usual, reduce your usage for 10 or more hours to allow the septic pump to catch up.
- Step five. Contact a professional. If your septic alarm continues despite troubleshooting or you notice signs of a sewage backup, contact a licensed plumber near you for inspection.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Septic System Alarm
Ignoring a septic alarm can result in costly damage to your home, property, and septic system. These warning devices are designed to alert you before problems worsen, so failing to respond can lead to tank overflows, drain field damage, and groundwater contamination.
The risks of ignoring an alarm include:
- Costly repairs: Rising water levels or pump malfunction can quickly lead to complete septic system failure and sewage backups, which require extensive and costly repairs.
- Property damage: If wastewater backs up into your home or overflows your yard, it can lead to structural damage, ruined landscaping, and soil contamination.
- Health hazards: Contaminated groundwater and septic backup can pose a health risk to your household, exposing your family to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
- Foul odors: Sewage backups and contamination create foul odors to circulate around your property, attracting pests and making your living conditions uncomfortable.
- Ongoing septic problems: Ignoring septic problems can lead to ongoing issues, like clogged drains, frequent backups, and drain field failure, requiring frequent repairs and long-term challenges.
The best way to avoid these risks and prevent your septic alarm from ever sounding is to keep up with routine professional maintenance. Regular septic tank pumping removes solids to prevent overflows, backups, and clogs that can trigger the alarm. By keeping your tank clean, you protect your system from failure, extend its lifespan, and keep everything flowing smoothly.
Call Ricky Heath for a Septic Inspection
If your septic or sump pump alarm is going off, don’t wait. Contact our residential and commercial plumbing experts today to schedule a comprehensive septic inspection. Our skilled pros will evaluate your system to uncover the cause of the alarm and provide quick, lasting solutions to prevent further issues, protect your property, and keep your septic system running smoothly. Whether you require septic pumping, repairs, or replacement, our team has the tools and expertise to tackle it all.
Call us or book online to schedule your septic service today! We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across central Georgia, including the following areas:
- Macon
- Jackson
- Bonaire
- Fort Valley
- Dry Branch
- Warner Robins
- Eatonton
- And more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a septic pump be serviced?
Your septic pumping schedule depends on your household size, water usage, and tank capacity. Most homeowners require pumping every three to five years. Keeping up with septic maintenance helps keep your system running smoothly and prevents costly damage down the line.
What are the signs my septic system requires pumping?
Slow-moving drains, foul odors, patches of standing water, and frequent sewer backups are all signs that your septic system is overdue for pumping. Contact our team as soon as possible to schedule service and protect your home from system failure, flooding, and health hazards.
Where is my septic control box located?
You’ll often find your septic control box near the septic tank or pump, mounted on an exterior or interior wall. Look for a rectangular electrical box with a lid that contains the system’s alarm lights and controls. If the alarm is going off, you’ll notice a blinking or flashing light and loud warning signals coming from the box.
How do I reset the septic alarm?
To reset your septic tank alarm, first locate the circuit breaker and turn off power to the system. Then, open the septic control box and look for a reset button or switch. Press the button and then restore power at the breaker. If the alarm continues, contact our team for immediate inspection.
What does a septic alarm sound like?
While it varies depending on the manufacturer, most septic alarms create a loud, continuous buzzing or high-pitched siren-like sound. This noise is often paired with flashing lights on the control box.
