Why Is My Septic Alarm Going Off? Common Causes & What To Do

Having your septic alarm suddenly go off can be startling, but there's no need to panic. That sound is just your septic alarm doing what it was designed to do, warning you about a potential problem while there's still time to act. But what exactly are you supposed to do when your alarm goes off?

For over 30 years, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service has provided professional septic tank repairs and outstanding customer service to homeowners and businesses throughout Gainesville, FL. Below, we outline a few of the most common reasons why a septic alarm goes off and what to do when that happens.

Is your septic alarm going off? Contact our trusted septic tank contractors today to request service!

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How Septic Alarms Work

Excessive Water Usage

In some cases, excessive water usage may cause your septic alarm to sound. For example, running multiple loads of laundry, taking several long showers, or having a house full of guests using sinks, toilets, and appliances all day may result in your system struggling to keep up. When the system's pump can't move water out of the tank quickly enough, the water level rises too high and the alarm goes off.

Potential Causes For A Septic Alarm To Sound

Here in Florida especially, heavy rains and high water tables may result in groundwater seeping into your septic system. Of course, when groundwater infiltrates your septic system, it can cause the tank's water level to rise quickly — potentially enough to trigger the alarm even if you haven't been using a lot of water. Our team can help identify the cause of the groundwater getting into your tank and address the problem at the source.

Pump Failure

Your septic system's pump is responsible for moving wastewater from the tank to the drainfield. When a pump fails due to a burned-out motor, electrical issues, worn-out parts, or any other issue, wastewater can't escape the tank. Eventually, if the problem remains unresolved, the water level will continue to rise until the float switch crosses the threshold that triggers the alarm. If your pump is having problems, call us to schedule septic pump repair!

Septic Tank Leaks

If your alarm suddenly goes off but you haven't experienced heavy rain or an increase in water usage, it could be an indication that your tank has developed a leak. Some clear signs of a leak include a powerful sewage smell around the drainfield, algae near water sources, and drains backing up. Think your tank sprang a leak? Our team of experienced septic plumbers can help detect the source of the leak and restore your tank's integrity.

Disconnected From Power Source

Occasionally, your septic alarm might sound because of something as simple as a tripped breaker. When it comes to your system's pump, even minor disconnections from its power source can cause the water level in your tank to rise quickly, triggering the septic alarm.

What To Do When Your Septic Alarm Goes Off

Now that we understand some of the most common reasons septic alarms sound, it's time to discuss what you should do when it goes off. The following are a few immediate steps you can take when your septic alarm suddenly starts going off.

  • Step 1: Check The Light — Most septic alarms feature a light that's green when the system is functioning correctly and red when there's a problem.
  • Step 2: Turn Off The Alarm — Next, silence the alarm using either the switch or button on the alarm box. If your alarm keeps sounding after you turn it off, it's a sign that some part of the system is damaged.
  • Step 3: Stop Using Water — Try not to flush toilets, use water-heavy appliances, or run faucets until you've had your septic system checked by a professional septic tank plumber.
  • Step 4: Check The Power — Before contacting a plumber, check your breaker box for tripped breakers. If your pump has been accidentally disconnected from the power, reconnect it and let the system run a couple of pump cycles (should take roughly 10—15 hours) and wait to see if the red light turns off.
  • Step 5: Call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service — If the red light doesn't turn off after 10 hours, call our septic tank repair company to schedule septic services! We can diagnose the problem, make any necessary repairs, and get your system back up and running in no time.

Call Us For Septic Tank Services In Gainesville, FL!

Is your septic alarm going off? Whether it's due to a leak, groundwater seeping into the tank, or pump failure, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service is here to help! With over 30 years of industry experience, our team has the tools and knowledge to get your septic system running smoothly.

Don't ignore your septic alarm! Contact our septic repair company today to schedule service!