Right Now
- Cut water useNo laundry, dishwasher or baths. Every gallon you send down has to go somewhere, and right now that may be your basement floor.
- Silence, don't ignore, the alarmIf you have a pump chamber with an alarm, there's usually a silence button. The alarm means the water level is high, often because the effluent pump or its float has failed.
- Stay clear of sewageKeep kids and pets away from any backup or surfacing liquid. Wear gloves and wash up well if you have to touch anything.
Common Causes
Overdue tank
A tank full of solids, or a clogged outlet baffle or effluent filter, will back up into the house. Often the fix is pumping and cleaning the filter.
Blocked line
Wipes, grease or roots in the pipe between the house and the tank. Gurgling and slow drains on the lowest floor are a clue.
Failed effluent pump
Systems that pump uphill to the field, common on hilly lots, rely on a pump, float switches and an alarm. Any one of them can fail.
Saturated field
After long wet spells or snowmelt, a struggling field may not accept water. If the tank refills from the field side after pumping, the field is the problem.
Availability depends on the day and the local crew's schedule. When you call (329) 236-6005, a local pro confirms timing. We won't promise a time that can't be kept.
Questions
Why is my septic alarm beeping?
Most alarms are high-water alarms in a pump chamber. They usually mean the effluent pump, its float, or its power has a problem, or the system is taking in more water than it can move. Cut water use and call.
Can I use a drain cleaner on a septic backup?
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can harm the tank's bacteria and rarely fix a septic backup. A pro can tell quickly whether it's the line, the tank or the field.
Related Services
Septic Tank Pumping
Routine pump-outs that keep solids out of the drain field, with a look at baffles and filters while the tank is open.
Learn more →Septic Inspections
Inspections for buyers, sellers and homeowners: tank, baffles, distribution box and drain field condition.
Learn more →Septic Repair
Baffles, effluent filters, risers, broken lines, distribution boxes, pumps and floats.
Learn more →Drain Field Repair & Replacement
Wet spots, odors, or a tank that refills from the field. Diagnosis, rejuvenation options and field replacement.
Learn more →Septic System Replacement
Full new systems: soil testing, design, permits, tank and field installation for failed or outdated systems.
Learn more →Tell Us What's Backing Up
Call or send the form with your town and what's happening.
- Tell us your town and what's happening (backup, alarm, due for pumping, sale)
- If you know it, when the tank was last pumped and where the lid is
- A local septic pro calls back and confirms availability and a typical price range
Request Septic Service
Where This Service Is Available
Monroe, NY 10950, Chester, Warwick, Goshen, Harriman & Central Valley, Woodbury & Highland Mills, Washingtonville & Blooming Grove, Middletown, Newburgh, Florida, Pine Bush & Montgomery, plus Sugar Loaf, Greenwood Lake, Pine Island, Arden, Tuxedo, South Blooming Grove, Salisbury Mills, Cornwall and nearby communities. All service areas.