It is important to react quickly when your septic alarm is going off to avoid a potential costly cleanup.

Step 1: Silence the alarm. Typically, a control panel will have a button on the front that you can push to silence. If you have just a tank alarm it will usually have a switch to silence the alarm.

Step 2: Stop using water right away. This is crucial to preventing unnecessary expenses for pumping the tank.

Step 3: Find the cause. Remove the lid of your septic tank and observe inside. Check the liquid level of the tank and check for any apparent problems with the floats.

If you have a control panel, move the switch to “Manual” or “Hand”. If the pump starts to run and the liquid level in the tank is dropping, you most likely have a problem with a float switch. If the pump does not start or the motor is just humming without the liquid level dropping, you most likely have a problem with the pump. If the motor starts when the switch is moved to “Manual” or “Hand”, you will want to test the float switch that turns the pump on and off. The float switch will be what is referred to as a normally open. A normally open float switch will be open when it is hanging down and closed when it tips ups. Using an ohmmeter, test the switch for continuity. The meter will not get a reading when the float is down and will get a continuity reading when the switch is raised up.

If you do not have a control panel, your pump is most likely operated by a pump switch with a piggyback plug. The piggyback plug goes directly into the outlet and the pump plugs directly into the back of the piggyback plug. Remove the piggyback plug and plug the pump directly into the outlet. If your pump starts and the liquid level drops, you have a defective pump switch. If the pump does not start or just hums, you have a problem with the pump.

So, hopefully, some of these tips will help you solve your problem or eliminate possible causes. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or further troubleshooting tips.