Why is My Septic Tank Alarm Going Off?
You're sitting in your home when suddenly you hear a buzzer. No, it's not the doorbell or the oven timer. It's actually your septic tank alarm.
When the alarm starts sounding, it's usually because the tank is having trouble pumping wastewater to the drain field. This could be for several reasons.
Check the weather
Victoria doesn't get much rainfall, but if it has been storming, the excess water could be too much for your septic tank. This is because the rain will saturate the drain field, leaving little to no room for wastewater.
if this is the cause drastically limit your water use. This means trying not to flush the toilet unless necessary, delay doing the dishes and taking your laundry elsewhere if it needs washing.
Rain isn't the only cause of a saturated drainfield. Watering your lawn more than usual or draining the pool can also lead to a flooded field.
Power problems
Your septic tank is powered by electricity, so if you've had problems in other parts of your home, they could be affecting your septic tank as well. An electrical problem could make the alarm go off when there is actually no danger. Get to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible to prevent future false alarms.
An accidental disconnection between the tank and the power can trigger an alarm as well. Be sure to check this any time the alarm goes off. If this is the case, connect it as soon as possible.
Regular inspections
Get in the habit of routine inspections to make sure your septic tank is functioning properly and there are no clogs. If there is one, use a plumbing snake or septic safe chemical drain opener to clear out the clog.
Keep in mind how old your septic tank is. Most have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. If it's nearing the end of this time period, you may need to consider getting a newer model. It might be a good idea to begin setting aside savings for a new septic tank if it's close to 10 years old or older.
If your alarm is going off and you're not quite sure how to address the problem, contact your local Roto-Rooter as soon as possible. Septic tank alarms should never be ignored or taken lightly. Neglecting it can lead to bigger problems later on.