“Why is my septic tank overflowing?” is one question that homeowners would love to avoid asking. Unfortunately, overflow and other septic emergencies do happen. The team from Acme shares more about how you can prevent and respond to septic emergencies.
As strong as septic systems are, damage, improper maintenance, and misuse can lead to situations we deem “septic emergencies.” The causes of these emergencies are numerous – they may be the result of events that are out of your control, such as significant rainfall or an aging system.
Other factors that lead to septic system failure can be prevented by scheduling regular system maintenance and inspections, understanding how to properly care for a septic system between service visits, and knowing what belongs in septic systems and what does not. Read on to learn more about how to deal with septic emergencies.
Identifying Septic System Emergencies
Even though any septic-related concern warrants the attention of a professional septic company, it is helpful for homeowners to know the difference between a problem that requires immediate attention and one that can wait. Here are a few common situations that fall into the category of “septic emergencies:”
Backups – Septic waste that backs up into your home doesn’t just smell bad – it poses a risk to your health due to exposure to pathogens found in septic waste.
Standing water or ponding – Standing water can result from cracks or leaks in your septic tank or its pipes. Wastewater can escape through these cracks and pool on the ground’s surface.
Slow drains or gurgling noises – Slow, gurgling drains could indicate a blockage in your septic system. If you notice your drains have been working more slowly than usual, it’s best to contact a professional septic company before you have to ask, “Why is my septic system overflowing?”
Foul odors – If you notice sewage odors inside or outside your home, you know it’s time to contact Acme. Strong, foul odors can indicate septic problems such as blockages, leaks, or other types of malfunction that require immediate attention.
Structural damage to your septic tank – If damage to your septic system is discovered, contact a professional septic company to repair or replace the parts as soon as possible. Putting off necessary maintenance leads to higher expenses, potential damage to your property, and an increased risk of contamination.
Steps Homeowners Should Take In A Septic Emergency
Even though it is alarming when you realize that you have a septic emergency on your hands, homeowners should remain calm and take a few simple steps to prevent further damage or risk of contamination. Here are a few ways to respond to a septic emergency as soon as it takes place:
Stop all water usage – Turning off any source of water in your home prevents further overloading of your septic system.
Avoid draining into the system – Do not use any of your sinks, toilets, showers, or drains until a professional has examined the problem.
Contact a professional – Pick up the phone and contact Acme! Our technicians are trained to deal with any septic problem you may face – including urgent ones. Call us as soon as you notice any warning signs that something may be wrong with your septic system.
What Homeowners Can Do To Reduce The Risk Of Emergencies
Schedule regular maintenance and inspections – It is recommended that homeowners receive a professional septic pump-out once every 3-5 years. Regular pumping ensures that your septic system works efficiently and reduces the risk of backups, clogs, and, of course – walking outside and asking yourself why your septic system is overflowing.
Another great benefit that septic pumping provides? It helps you save more money. Regular pumping reduces wear and damage to your septic system, increases efficiency, and extends its lifespan.
Monitor water usage – Reducing your household’s water usage as much as possible can help you avoid septic emergency situations. Conserve water by installing water-saving sinks, toilets, and showerheads. Not only does taking this step help avoid septic overload, but it also helps you save money on your water bill. 
Only flush septic-friendly items – “Septic-friendly items” essentially means human waste and toilet paper. Anything else, such as Q-tips, feminine hygiene items, dental floss, baby wipes, and paper towels, should not be flushed down the toilet. Non-septic-friendly items cannot be easily broken down by a septic system and may lead to septic damage and failure.
Protect your drain field – Treat your drain field with love by directing water away from it and not driving heavy machinery over the top of it. Water from your roof drains, sump pumps, and surface water runoff should flow away from your drain field to prevent oversaturation.
Driving heavy machinery can compact the soil over your drain field and damage pipes. We know you’d rather not have to pay the high costs of drain field repair or replacement, so remember these drain field care tips to save yourself stress and money.
Prevention Is Key For Septic Health
Proper maintenance of your septic systems is essential year-round. Due to the volume of calls and appointments, it can be challenging for most septic companies to provide immediate emergency services. While we will do all we can to respond and resolve your problem ASAP, there may be a waiting period of about 1-2 days.
With this in mind, make prevention your best defense by practicing simple yet crucial guidelines for excellent septic health.
Even If Your Septic System Is Overwhelmed, You Don’t Have To Be
All of our septic technicians are trained and certified to manage clogs, overflow, flooding, and more.
Contact Acme for hassle-free emergency septic pumping today!