Emergency Septic Services: How to Handle a System Backup
A septic system backup can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only does it cause unpleasant odors and damage to your home, but it also poses significant health hazards.
Knowing how to handle a septic system backup quickly and effectively is essential. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do when faced with an emergency septic situation, how to prevent future backups, and when to call in professional help.


1. Understanding the Causes of a Septic System Backup
Septic system backups happen when the system is overloaded or a blockage prevents wastewater from flowing into the drain field. Several factors can lead to a backup:
- Overloaded System: Excessive water use in a short period, such as doing multiple loads of laundry, can overwhelm the septic system.
- Full Septic Tank: A full tank that hasn’t been pumped recently may overflow, causing sewage to back up into the house.
- Clogged Pipes or Drain Field: Pipes leading from the house to the septic tank or the pipes in the drain field can become clogged with debris, fats, oils, or grease, causing backups.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can grow into septic pipes, leading to blockages and eventual system failure.
- Heavy Rain or Flooding: Heavy rains can saturate the ground around the drain field, preventing proper filtration and causing water to back up into the tank or home.
2. What to Do During a Septic Backup
If you’re faced with a septic backup, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and protect your health:
- Stop Water Usage Immediately: The first step is to stop using water in your home. This includes turning off washing machines, dishwashers, and avoiding flushing toilets or using sinks. Any additional water will only worsen the situation.
- Locate and Silence the Alarm: If your septic system has an alarm, it may go off during a backup. Locate the control panel to silence the alarm, but keep in mind that this is an indicator of a problem that requires immediate attention.
- Check for Obvious Causes: Look for visible issues such as clogged drains, leaking faucets, or power outages that could have caused the backup. Address any immediate problems like fixing leaks, but avoid using drain cleaners as they can damage the system.
- Wear Protective Gear: If you need to inspect areas affected by the sewage backup, wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing to avoid contact with contaminated water.
- Call a Septic Professional: The most important step is to contact a licensed septic service professional. They have the tools and expertise to pump the tank, assess any blockages, and inspect the drain field for potential failures.


3. Health Hazards of a Septic Backup
Septic backups bring raw sewage into your home, which is a serious health hazard. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can cause illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections, hepatitis, and skin infections. To protect yourself and your family:
- Avoid Contact with Sewage: Do not attempt to clean the sewage yourself unless you have the proper equipment and protection.
- Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to ventilate any areas affected by the backup. This helps to reduce odors and airborne contaminants.
- Call Professionals for Cleanup: Septic professionals will pump the system, clear blockages, and perform the necessary repairs. Additionally, hiring a cleaning service specializing in sewage cleanup can help disinfect the affected areas properly.
4. Preventing Future Septic System Backups
After resolving a septic backup, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid future issues:
- Regular Pumping: Schedule septic tank pumping every 3-5 years, depending on your household size and water usage. Regular pumping prevents the tank from becoming overloaded.
- Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items: Never flush items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or grease. These items can clog the system and cause backups.
- Monitor Water Usage: Spread out water-heavy tasks like laundry or running the dishwasher to avoid overwhelming the system.
Schedule Regular Inspections: Routine septic system inspections can identify potential problems before they lead to a backup.
5. When to Call a Professional
After resolving a septic backup, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid future issues:
- Regular Pumping: Schedule septic tank pumping every 3-5 years, depending on your household size and water usage. Regular pumping prevents the tank from becoming overloaded.
- Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items: Never flush items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or grease. These items can clog the system and cause backups.
- Monitor Water Usage: Spread out water-heavy tasks like laundry or running the dishwasher to avoid overwhelming the system.
Schedule Regular Inspections: Routine septic system inspections can identify potential problems before they lead to a backup.
Conclusion
Septic system backups are not only unpleasant but can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks. Knowing how to handle an emergency situation, from stopping water usage to contacting a professional, can save you from costly repairs and protect your family’s health.
By implementing regular maintenance and preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of future backups and keep your septic system running smoothly.
Should you require assistance with Septic Services, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts at Sourthern Septic and Lift Station.