Septic tanks are common in areas where city sewer systems haven’t reached. People usually don’t pay attention to them until something goes wrong that needs to be attended to. One of the most common issues is a backed up septic tank.

If you’re facing this issue, then you might be wondering what actions you should take. We’ve listed some of the things you need to do to sort this out quickly.

1. Identify the Cause Of a Backed Up Septic Tank

The first step is to identify the root cause of the septic tank backup. There are many reasons why this happens. Some factors might be because of your own doing, and some can be out of your control. Here are some of the reasons:

• Flooding
• Increased water usage
• Poor septic tank installation
• Clogs and blockages
• Defective septic tank parts
• Tree roots

Inspect each area that could potentially be the source of the problem. If you can identify and fix the problem, do it right away. If the job is too great to personally handle, then the second step might be the best choice.

2. Call a Professional Septic Tank Service

Septic tank maintenance and repair are not for everyone. It requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment to handle properly. Not many homeowners are familiar with how the septic tank works or how to do troubleshooting to know if there’s something wrong with it. As such, the best solution is to call a professional septic tank service to help you with your backed-up septic tank.

Go for an experienced and reputable septic tank service provider in your area for the best results. Ask for referrals from other establishment owners near your area or check online for customer reviews to know which septic tank service providers are worth hiring.

3. Address the Situation While Waiting for Professional Services

Professionals will not arrive instantly, so in the meantime, you should do some things to help address the backed-up septic tank:

Conserve Water Usage

If there are no necessary household chores that require water usage, conserve as much as possible. This is to help ease the backed up septic tank. If you need to do laundry, consider going to the laundromat instead of using your washing machine at home. Do your dishes by hand and avoid using the dishwasher for the time-being.

Do Not Flush Anything Down the Toilet

Go to a friend’s house nearby or go to the nearest public restroom to relieve yourself instead of using your own toilet at home. Flushing even septic-safe products down your toilet will only worsen the situation if the main cause of your backed-up septic tank is a blockage.

Use an Alternative Water Source

If you need water for basic necessities like cooking and cleaning, find an alternative water source. You can ask a neighbor if you can use their hose for a while or buy gallons of water from the store. This will lessen the strain on your septic tank while waiting for professional services to arrive.

4. Prevent Future Septic Tank Backups

Once the immediate crisis has passed, it’s important to think about how you can prevent future septic tank backups. Regular septic tank maintenance can save you money and prevent further inconvenience in the long run. Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of future problems:

• Schedule Regular Pumping: Your septic tank should be pumped regularly to prevent overfilling. A general rule is to have your tank pumped every 3-5 years, but this can vary depending on the size of your household and the tank.
• Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items: Many household items can clog septic systems, including paper towels, wipes, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. Even items labeled “flushable” should be avoided.
• Be Mindful of Water Usage: Conserving water helps avoid overwhelming your septic system. Spread out laundry loads over several days and use water-efficient appliances to minimize stress on the system.
• Use Bacteria-Boosting Products: Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste. Consider using bacteria-boosting treatments that are designed to enhance your system’s efficiency and reduce the risk of clogs.

5. Recognize Warning Signs of Septic System Issues

Often, there are subtle signs that indicate your septic system may be experiencing problems. Identifying these early warning signs can help you address the issue before it turns into a full-blown backup. Some common signs include:

• Slow Drains: If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slowly, it could be a sign that your septic tank is nearing capacity or that there’s a blockage.
• Foul Odors: Persistent sewage odors near your tank or drain field may indicate a problem. Septic systems are designed to keep wastewater and gases contained, so noticeable smells should be investigated.
• Pooling Water: Unexplained puddles of water around your septic system or in your yard can indicate a leak or overflow from your tank.
• Lush Grass: If the grass over your septic tank or drain field is unusually green and lush compared to the rest of your yard, it could mean wastewater is leaking from the system.

By recognizing these signs early, you can take action before the issue escalates.

6. Understand the Costs of Septic Tank Repairs

Another factor to consider when dealing with a septic tank backup is the cost of repairs. While calling in a professional is often necessary, the cost can vary based on the severity of the problem, the size of the septic tank, and the extent of the repairs needed.

In some cases, minor repairs might be relatively inexpensive. However, if your tank requires extensive repairs or replacement, it could be a significant expense. It’s best to get a quote from the septic service provider before they begin work, so you have a clear understanding of the costs involved.

7. Regular Maintenance vs. Emergency Repairs

One of the main reasons septic tanks back up is due to lack of regular maintenance. Many homeowners don’t think about their septic system until an issue arises, leading to expensive emergency repairs. By investing in regular septic maintenance, such as inspections and tank pumping, you can avoid these costly surprises.

Emergency repairs are usually more expensive than routine maintenance, so staying proactive about your septic system can save you money in the long run. It’s also less stressful to handle small issues during routine checkups than to deal with a major septic failure unexpectedly.

8. Stay Proactive and Be Prepared

Handling a backed-up septic tank is never fun, but with the right approach, you can minimize the inconvenience and prevent future issues. By identifying the cause, calling in professionals, and taking steps to maintain your system, you can keep your septic tank running smoothly.

Being proactive about regular septic maintenance and recognizing warning signs can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Whether you’re dealing with a current issue or looking to avoid future problems, taking care of your septic system is essential for the health and safety of your home.

More Information on a Backed-up Septic Tank

Not being able to use your toilet or take a shower can be a major inconvenience, especially for big families. For this kind of situation, you must be patient and stay calm. Just remember to not do anything you’re not familiar with and let professional septic tank services handle the situation if problems persist.

Situations like these happen all the time, so Home and Auto Resources created a selection of resources for anyone to find answers to their questions. Visit our website to learn more!