Alarms exist for a reason — whether it’s your smoke detector alerting you to danger or your car warning you about low fuel, they’re designed to grab your attention. But when your septic tank alarm starts going off, it can be downright confusing and stressful. What does it mean? Should you panic? Understanding why your septic alarm is going off can help you respond appropriately and avoid bigger problems.
We’ll explore the reasons behind a septic alarm going off, what the signals mean, and when it’s time to call a professional like Tidy Tank Septic Service.
How Does a Septic Tank Alarm Work?
Before diving into why your septic tank alarm is going off, it helps to know what the system is trying to tell you. A septic tank alarm monitors water levels in your pump tank. It uses a float switch to detect when wastewater levels are too high or too low. If the levels deviate from normal, the alarm will send an alert to the alarm box, signaling that something isn’t functioning properly.
Why Is Your Septic Tank Alarm Going Off?
If your septic alarm is going off, it usually means something in your septic system isn’t working as it should. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Excessive Water Usage
One of the most likely reasons your septic alarm is going off is excess water in the system. Running several loads of laundry, taking long showers, or having guests over who are using more water than normal can overwhelm your septic system. This can lead to the water level rising inside the pump tank, triggering the alarm.
To avoid this, minimize water usage when possible, especially during high-demand times. Spacing out laundry loads and cutting back on long showers can make a big difference.
2. Power Outages
If the power goes out, the pump in your septic system won’t be able to do its job. Without the pump working properly, wastewater can start to back up, causing the alarm to sound. Once power is restored, the system should resume normal operation. However, if the alarm doesn’t reset after the power comes back on, it’s worth checking for other issues.
3. Malfunctioning Float Switch
The float switch is a critical component of your septic system. It acts like a sensor, monitoring the water level inside the tank. A malfunctioning float switch can send false signals to the alarm, making it go off even if there’s no real problem.
If you suspect a faulty float switch, contact a septic company for a professional inspection and repair.
4. Blocked or Broken Pump
The pump is responsible for moving wastewater from your septic tank to the drain field. If it becomes clogged or stops working, the water level in the pump tank can rise quickly, causing the alarm to go off. This issue often requires immediate attention to prevent standing water surrounding the tank or system failure.
5. Drain Field Issues
Problems in the drain field, such as improper drainage or too much standing water, can also cause the septic alarm to go on and off. When the drain field isn’t functioning properly, the system struggles to handle wastewater efficiently, leading to high water levels in the tank.
Drain field rejuvenation might be necessary to restore its ability to process wastewater effectively.
What to Do When Your Septic Alarm Is Going Off
If your septic tank alarm is going off, here are the steps you should take:
- Don’t Panic. The alarm is there to alert you to a potential problem, not to scare you. Most issues can be addressed with the right approach.
- Check the Alarm Box. Look for a green light or red light located on the alarm box. A green light means the alarm has power, while a red light typically indicates high water levels.
- Minimize Water Usage. Cut back on activities like laundry and dishwashing to prevent adding more water to the system.
- Check the Breaker. Sometimes, a tripped breaker can stop the pump from working. If the septic breaker has been tripped, reset it and see if the alarm stops.
- Call a Professional. If the alarm signal persists, it’s time to contact a septic company for help. They can diagnose and fix the issue quickly.
Preventing Septic Alarm Issues in the Future
Regular maintenance and good habits can go a long way in keeping your septic system running smoothly. Here are a few tips to prevent future alarms:
- Schedule regular inspections and pumping services to keep your system functioning properly.
- Avoid flushing items like feminine hygiene products, grease, or anything that might clog the system.
- Minimize usage during periods of high water demand, like after heavy rains or large gatherings.
- Address slow drains or any signs of septic issues early, before they become bigger problems.
For expert maintenance, reach out to Tidy Tank Septic Service to schedule a septic tank maintenance service in McHenry or Lake County, IL.
Don’t Ignore Your Septic Alarm — Get Help Today!
Your septic alarm is a valuable warning system that helps you catch problems before they escalate. If your septic alarm is going off and you’re still not sure why, the best course of action is to call in the professionals. Tidy Tank Septic Service offers reliable, expert help for all your septic system’s components.
With services like drain field rejuvenation and septic system inspections, we’re here to help keep your system running properly. Schedule your service today in McHenry County, Lake County, or one of the surrounding areas, and gain peace of mind knowing your septic system is in good hands!