Working Through A Septic Emergency

The last thing anybody wants to do is deal with a septic emergency. It is usually the furthest thing from your mind as a property owner, but knowing what to do during these rare occurrences can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Septic emergencies require urgent and immediate attention; otherwise, you may have to incur way higher costs from replacement, as opposed to just repairs.

In this article, we highlight the signs of a septic emergency and what to do if you have one on your property.

Signs of a Septic Emergency

It is not always easy to tell the moment something goes wrong with your septic system, as it is below ground. However, if any of the following is happening on your property, you may be on your way to a septic emergency;

Flooded Areas

If the surface area right above the septic system of your property is excessively wet, there is a problem. An accompanying sign to look out for is having overly green, healthy grass above your flooded septic drain field. A broken drain field pipe is the most likely cause of water pooling around this area. If you have noticed this occurring more frequently, your drain field may have stopped working. It is time to call in an expert.

Slow or Clogged Drains

If just one drain in your home is faulty, it may not be a mere clog or plumbing issue. However, if more than one drain is going slow or clogged and making gurgling noises even after the drain is free, there is a problem. This is especially when there is an accompanying foul smell in the air.

Septic Backup

Septic backups are caused by clogs in your septic system or an overflowing septic tank. You can tell if you have a septic backup if sewage is coming up your toilets or drains in the lower levels of your property. Be careful not to get in contact with it, as it is hazardous to health.

What to Do If You Have A Septic Emergency

Get in touch with a licensed septic provider

Your first step should be calling a trusted septic consultant for an emergency visit. You need to act fast, so you do not worsen the damage, leading to significantly higher costs. Emergency septic services will help you diagnose and rectify the situation so your property can be up and running in no time.

Stop using water

While this may sound dramatic, using even a tiny amount of water can make your emergency an even problem. You must immediately stop using water when your septic system develops such issues. This is because any water that enters your drain eventually ends up in it. If you need to use water before your septic service provider arrives, ensure you do not pour it into a drain. Use a container and dispose of it outdoors away from your septic system.

Watch out for septic backup and disinfect

If your septic system is backing into your home, thoroughly disinfect any impacted areas immediately after the problem is resolved. Sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause health problems, so ensure you are in safety gear while cleaning or handling contaminated material.

Countryside Plumbing, Sewer and Septic is licensed to provide emergency septic services in Illinois. If you have any plumbing septic or sewer concerns, contact us here.

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