Nuisance or Emergency: What Counts as a Septic System Emergency in Florida?

"Emergency" is not a word to use lightly. There are numerous problems that can crop up in your septic system, but not all of them require urgent attention. Continue reading to learn where to draw the line between inconvenience and emergency, so you know when to call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Services immediately.

Sewage Backup In The House

Sewage backup in your home is cause for concern. When storms, blockages, or equipment failure cause sewage to seep into your house, it can directly impact your health. Filled with viruses and bacteria, sewage can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and infection if you're exposed to it. Depending on the contaminants present and the manner of exposure, sewage may also transmit gastrointestinal and other infectious diseases.

Sewage backup in your home is not an issue to ignore or delay fixing. Call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Services for septic tank maintenance as soon as you notice sewage backup in your Florida home!

Septic Overflow In The Yard

Septic waste isn't only dangerous if it gets inside the home. When wastewater flows into the yard, it can make not only you and your family sick, but also neighbors and local wildlife.

Contaminated Drinking Water

Contaminated drinking water isn't always easy to spot. Drinking contaminated water can cause abdominal pain, infections, and waterborne illnesses caused by pathogens such as E. coli and norovirus; and it isn't always easy to detect. While many contaminants will affect the smell, color, or taste of your water supply, some are hard to detect without professional water testing kits.

If your water looks, tastes, or smells funny, or you have had to deal with recent damages, repairs, or storms that you believe may have contaminated your water, contact a septic tank plumber immediately.

Ongoing Septic System Alarms

If your septic alarm has been going off for over 10 hours, even after you have reduced your water usage and ensured no power breakers have been tripped, then you might be dealing with a septic system emergency. Things like total pump failure and severe septic tank leaks can cause your alarm to sound for an extended period of time and should be addressed as soon as possible to minimize damages.

Septic Tank FAQs

How Can I Avoid Septic Problems?

To avoid septic problems, you should:

  • Be careful with what you pour down the drain
  • Only flush human waste and toilet paper
  • Fix leaks quickly
  • Conserve water wherever possible
  • Pump your tank when needed

Is a Foul Odor in My Home a Septic System Emergency?

Not necessarily. Some sewage smells can indicate minor service needs, such as dry plumbing traps or dirty drains. Other smells, especially those that are overwhelming and cause physical symptoms, can indicate a more serious septic system emergency.

If you are concerned about sewage odors throughout your home and are dealing with slow drains, standing wastewater, or a sewage backup, you should contact a professional plumber immediately.

How Often Should Septic Tanks Be Pumped?

How often septic tanks require pumping varies based on tank size, household size, water usage, and garbage disposal usage. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years, but some require pumping more or less often.

What Are Signs That My Septic Tank Needs To Be Pumped?

Common signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped include:

  • Slow drains throughout the house
  • Gurgling pipes
  • Sewage odors indoors or outdoors
  • Wet or soggy spots near the tank or drain field
  • Sewage backups

How Long Do Septic Tanks Last?

When properly maintained, many septic tanks can last 20 to 40 years. Some can even last up to 50 years!

Solve Your Septic Problems With Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Services

Don't hesitate to call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Services if your septic system is acting up. Our experienced plumbers will find the root cause and deliver a solution that lasts.