How A Septic Tank Alarm Works? (Correct answer)

A septic tank alarm system is a device designed to monitor the water elevation inside the tank, and it alerts you when the water level in the tank is much higher or lower than it should be. This raises the water level inside the pump tank until the controls cycle back and come on again.

A Septic Tank System alarm works with the use of a float that is placed inside the tank to monitor water levels. Think of this much like the float in the back of your toilet tank. In the toilet tank, the float monitors the water in your tank, and when it reaches a predefined level it should turn off the water so no more flows into the tank.

What triggers a septic tank alarm?

Most septic tanks have an alert when there’s too much water inside of it and could cause some kind of backup or overflow if not dealt with promptly. Your float sensor will trigger your alarm box to sound off once that event has been triggered by detecting how high up in the tank the level is reaching.

Why does my septic tank alarm go off?

Septic tanks typically come with alarms for a good reason. The septic alarms are meant to go off when the water level in your septic system’s pump tank is either too high or too low because either condition can cause damage to the system and should be prevented.

How does a tank Alert work?

A tank alert alarm is an electronic system that monitors liquid levels in sump pump basins, holding tanks, sewage and other non-potable water systems. The alarm elicits a warning horn when it detects threatening liquid levels. The alarm is also used in homes with septic tanks and includes indoor and outdoor models.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

Why is my septic tank buzzing?

Humming: This is a common sound when the pump is running, but if the noise is constant, then the system might be running without actually moving any water. A common cause for this is the lack of a relief hole between the pump and the check valve, which will develop an air lock in your system.

How long after septic alarm goes off?

To clarify, an alarm signal from the septic system does not mean sewage is going to immediately back up into the house. The alarm is set up to go off at a time that will allow for 24-48 hours of regular usage (though you should try to minimize usage) until a backup will happen.

Do all septic tanks have alarms?

All septic systems that use a pump to move wastewater from a septic pump tank to a drainfield or mound have an alarm installed in the house. The alarm goes off when wastewater is not being pumped from the septic pump tank to the drainfield or mound.

What is Tank alert alarm system?

The Tank Alert® I indoor alarm system provides audio/visual warning of potential threatening liquid level conditions in lift pump chambers, sump pump basins, holding tanks, sewage, agricultural and other non-potable water applications. If an alarm condition occurs, the horn sounds and alarm light activates.

How does tank alert XT work?

Tank Alert® alarms provide audio/visual warning of potential threatening liquid level conditions. The horn can be turned off, but the alarm beacon remains on until the condition is remedied. Once the condition is cleared the alarm will automatically reset.

How does a septic pump float work?

This is largely thanks to a float switch. This switch floats upward as the number of sewage increases in the tank. Once the sewage reaches a certain level, then the float switch turns on the sewage pump, which then allows it to be pumped out of the tank.

What does it mean when your sump pump alarm goes off?

Sump pump alarms typically start to go off when there’s too much water in the area. If the sump pump alarm is functioning properly, but it’s going off too regularly, that means there is too much water pooling in your basement.

Why does my sump pump alarm keep going off?

Sometimes, the sump pump alarm may go off simply because the pump is working hard to drain the water during high-peak usage (if it’s raining, for example). Otherwise, you may want to call a plumber to the scene to make sure that the pump can keep up with demand, and avoid a flooded basement.

How often should you pump your septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

How a Septic Tank Alarm Works

A septic alarm provides you with early warning of potentially serious problems. iStock/Getty Images image courtesy of Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/iStock An effluent pump is required in any typical septic system in which the drain field is located at a higher elevation than the tank in order to move wastewater from the tank to the drain field. The pump is controlled by a float switch located inside the tank, and an additional float switch runs an alarm that sounds when the water level in the tank drops below a certain minimum.

The Need for a Septic Alarm

Septic systems that are gravity-fed transport waste from the house to a holding tank where solids settle to the bottom and overflows leave through an outlet onto the drain field. Whenever a pump is required to convey waste to a higher elevation – as is frequently the case – the pump is activated by a float, similar to the one found in a toilet tank. Pump or float failure can cause major difficulties, such as a sewage backlog in the home or an overflow of the tank’s holding tank. If the system generates an alarm, the problem may be identified and remedied as soon as possible, avoiding the worst repercussions.

Alarm Operation

The septic alarm is activated by a separate float switch, which should be connected to a separate electrical circuit in order for it to continue to work even if the breaker controlling the pump is thrown. When the water level reaches the preset cut-in point for the float switch, a buzzer, a light, or some other alarm mechanism may be activated, which may be positioned on the tank, on the side of the house, in the basement, or in a utility room, depending on the configuration of the switch. Alarms connected to a municipal grid are required in some areas so that authorities may monitor sewage systems that are not operating properly.

What the Alarm Means

When a septic alarm goes off, it typically signifies that the water level in the tank has risen too high, which indicates that the pump is not working properly. It’s possible that the circuit breaker that controls it has tripped, and all you have to do is reset it to correct the situation. Another possibility is that the pump is blocked and has to be repaired, or that a continuous leak is forcing it to work too hard as a result of its overwork. The worst-case situation is that the drain field becomes clogged, and the pump is unable to rid the tank of waste materials.

Aerobic Septic Systems

In an aerobic septic system, compressed air is pumped through sewage in order to encourage decomposition. This sort of system also requires an alert to function properly. It is regulated by a switch that is sensitive to air pressure, and when it trips, it typically indicates that the compressor pump is not working properly. It is common for this sort of system to contain a separate storage tank for treated water as well as a pump that directs the water to pop-up sprinklers that distribute it over the drain field.

This tank often includes a separate alarm attached to a float switch, and if the alarm goes off, it indicates that the pump is not operating properly.

What is a Septic Tank Alarm System & What To Do If It’s Going Off.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission or free product from the firms featured in this post. As an illustration, consider the online retailer Amazon. If you have a septic tank placed in your home, it is possible that you have a septic tank alarm system installed someplace in your home. What these alerts are used for and how they work will be discussed in greater detail in the following article.

Need Help With Your Septic Alarm or System Repair

So, what exactly is a septic tank alarm system, exactly? A septic tank alarm system is a device that monitors the water level inside the tank and sends you an alert if the water level rises higher than it should be. If the water level rises higher than it should be, this could be an indication of a problem with the septic tank pump, which is required in some systems. The effluent (wastewater) from the tank to the drainage field does not always require the use of a pump in all systems. A pump is not required in systems that are designed to siphon wastewater downhill from the tank to the drainage area utilizing gravity as the primary means of transport.

If you want to learn more, read this article.

How Does a Septic Tank System Alarm Function?

Let’s take a closer look at how a septic tank system alarm operates in order to better grasp what it is and how it functions. It is possible that your Septic Tank Alarm System will be equipped with a variety of various forms of notifications, depending on what you have installed. The alarm may contain a green/red light, an audible alarm or buzzer, or a combination of the three options listed above. It is required in certain towns that alarms be connected to the municipal grid in order for authorities to monitor malfunctioning garbage systems.

Septic Tank Alarm Systems for Electrical-Based Pumps

A Septic Tank System alarm is activated by the placement of a float inside the tank, which monitors the amount of water in the tank. Consider this to be analogous to the float at the bottom of your toilet tank. The float in your toilet tank monitors the amount of water in your tank, and when it reaches a certain level, it should shut off the water supply so that no more water goes into the tank. Similarly, the water level is monitored by the float on your alarm in a septic system, and the alarm will sound when the water level in the tank has increased to a predetermined level, signalling that there is a possible problem with the system.

Septic Tank Alarms for Aerobic Systems Compressor Pumps

If your property is equipped with an Aerobic-based system, you may additionally require a septic tank alarm. These systems circulate condensed air through the system in order to aid in the breakdown of the sewage in the treatment plant.

Septic tank alarms are utilized in these sorts of systems to alert the user when there is a probable problem with the air pressure, which might signal that the compressor pump is not working properly.

Why Would You Need a Septic Tank Alarm System?

So, now that you have a clear grasp of what a Septic Tank Alarm System is and what it performs, you may be wondering why you would need one. Keep in mind that the alarm is intended to notify you of a problem with your septic system that might lead to more serious issues down the line if not addressed. The purpose of the warning is to have the problems resolved before anything catastrophic occurs. For illustration purposes, consider a pumping system that is powered by electricity and is responsible for pumping effluent (wastewater) from a septic tank upwards to a drainage area.

(This is very frequent.) As a result, a pump powered by electricity is installed in the tank to either

The Alarm in an Aerobic System

Additionally, the Alarm in an Aerobic System will notify you if the compressor pump is not functioning correctly, which means that sufficient air is not being introduced into system to allow for decomposition of the waste to occur. In the event that your system has any form of pump component, it is a good idea to have a functional alarm installed.

Where is Your Septic Tank Alarm System Located?

The alarm for your septic tank may be positioned in a number of different locations. If you hear your alarm go off, look in the following places to see if you can find where it came from. Avoid being alarmed since there is no fire or carbon monoxide alarm! Your septic tank alarm may be positioned in one of the following locations, starting with the first:

On the tank’s side, it says: The connection is made to the side of your house. You have a basement
In a utility closet, if you will

What does it Mean if My Septic Tank Alarm is Going off?

What does it imply if the alarm on your septic tank is sounding off? Essentially, if your septic tank alarm is going off, it means that the alarm is detecting an incorrect water level in the septic tank, a problem with the pump in the septic tank for electrically assisted pumping systems, or a problem with the air pressure in the compressor pump of your Aerobic Septic System. But don’t be alarmed; there are a few other possibilities for why your alarm is going off than a complete pump failure.

What to Do if Your Septic Alarm is Going Off?

When an alarm goes off, you undoubtedly want to know what to do next to assist diagnose the potential problem with your septic tank system. Here’s what you should do next. As soon as you hear your alarm go off, take the following steps:

Locate the alarm
If you are unsure of its placement, refer to the section above for some frequent locations for septic tank alarms. If your alarm system includes an audible alarm, it should feature a button to stop the alert or to turn on the alarm system. This button can be used to turn off the alarm system. It is important to note that the Red Light on the alarm will remain illuminated until the problem is rectified. In order to avoid going insane from the noise, your septic alarm system should be attached to a different circuit breaker than the actual pump that it is designed to monitor. So the next step is to identify the pump’s circuit breaker and check sure it hasn’t been tripped by anything. Occasionally, these breakers will trip or be switched off, resulting in a power outage.

How to Test Your Septic Alarm?

To ensure that your septic tank alarm is functioning properly, it is recommended that you test it on a regular basis. To be on the safe side, I would recommend once every six months; obviously, the more frequently, the better. The process of testing your septic tank alarm is typically rather simple. Each septic tank alarm should be equipped with a test switch, which you may use to quickly check the alarm’s functionality. To see how to test your septic tank alarm, watch the video below.

What do I do if My Septic Alarm is Going Off?

In the event that your septic alarm goes off, it may surely create some anxiety and uncertainty; and if you happen to be experiencing this right now, then you’ve arrived to the correct location! Don’t be concerned; it does not necessitate urgent action. Instead, take your time to go through this full essay so that you will be prepared to act now or in the future if the situation arises. What Septic Systems Are and How They Work The alarm works in conjunction with the septic system to alert you when the water level within the pump tank has increased to an unsafe level or has decreased to an unsafe level.

The timer regulates the time intervals during which the pump is permitted to operate.

There is an excessive amount of water being put into the septic system. This is the result of excessive water use, which might be caused by multiple loads of laundry, an excessive quantity of dishwashing, or a disproportionate number of long showers.

Somehow, groundwater is making its way into the system. If there is an excessive amount of standing water surrounding the septic tanks, whether generated by rain or another source, the water may seep into the tanks and cause the internal water level to rise.

It’s possible that one of the components of the septic system is malfunctioning. If anything goes wrong with your system — including the pump and floats — the alarm and timer will go off and the septic system will stop working correctly.

The Best Thing to Do If Your Alarm Goes Off Alternatively, if you hear an alert, you should press the red button or turn on the alarm box. The alarm will be turned off as a result of this action. There should be a red light and a green light on the alarm box, which should be situated someplace on the unit. The green light indicates that the alarm is operational and should be left on at all times. It is shown by a red light if the alarm is getting a signal from the pump tank indicating that the water level is increasing above or decreasing below what is expected.

It is important to check for any standing water around the breaker if it occurs to be turned on accidentally.

Importance of Septic Tank Alarms

In the United States, approximately one-quarter of all households rely on a separate septic system to handle their home’s wastewater. A septic system is a fragile system that is dependent on a number of biological and mechanical processes to function properly. Septic systems that are properly maintained are rarely in need of repair, but even the finest upkeep cannot avoid every problem. Because of this, an operational septic tank alarm system is an extremely critical component of any system. Septic tank alarms alert you when water levels in your tank rise to the point where backup or overflow is possible.

How does a septic system work?

Septic tanks are subterranean tanks that are normally found in the back or side yard of a residence. An input line allows water from the residence – such as laundry waste, shower water, dish water, and toilet waste – to flow into the tank. Heavy solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank (referred to as the “sludge layer”), while lighter waste, such as oil, floats to the top (referred to as the “scum layer”) of the tank. Clarified water is left in the centre of the container. The clean water is then discharged through a discharge pipe into a drain field that has been designated.

Most septic tanks must be cleaned out of collected solid waste every three to five years in order to avoid clogging and odor problems.

What happens when a septic system backs up?

It’s not a good sign. Septic systems may get clogged and allow sewage and solid waste to leak to the surface of the earth if they are not properly maintained. The problem is that it frequently overflows into the home itself, originating in backrooms, sinks, and washing machines. Furthermore, in addition to the environmental and hygienic consequences, a major backlog would almost certainly result in damage to the septic system’s components, necessitating costly repairs that might total several thousand dollars to remedy the situation.

The importance of septic tank alarms

Backups may be avoided by using a reliable septic tank alarm in addition to performing regular maintenance and waste treatment on the tank. When the water level in the tank becomes dangerously high, a float switch is programmed to sound an alarm, alerting you to the situation and allowing you to take steps to reduce water use and identify the source of the problem before it is too late. When you have an alarm system, it’s likely that the float switch is set such that you still have a day or two of regular water consumption before an overflow or backup occurs.

Septic tank alarm systems can fail if the float switch is not trustworthy, and this can lead to the formation of a septic tank backup.

Get in touch with an engineer today

Alarms for your septic tank are an essential component of any septic system. It is preferable if you are familiar with how your septic alarm was installed, how it operates, and what to do if your septic alarm sounds accidentally. If you have a septic system, an alarm is an important component that will safeguard your house from any significant problems that may arise.

What is a septic tank alarm?

When something goes wrong with your septic system, an alarm will sound to alert you of the problem. Based on the size of your tank and how much water you use, you normally have at least one day’s worth of water consumption left after the alarm goes off before you run the risk of something awful occurring to your water system. Alarms are not a cause for concern; rather, they are intended to alert you that a problem with the system has been identified so that you may take action before the problem worsens.

It is the alarm’s responsibility, for example, to notify you if the water level is greater than it should be.

What kind of septic alarms are there?

When something goes wrong with your septic tank, an alarm will sound to alert you. Based on the size of your tank and how much water you use, you normally have at least one day’s worth of water consumption left after the alarm goes off before you run the risk of something awful happening to your water supply. No need to be alarmed; alarms are just intended to alert you that something is wrong with the system so that you may take action before it becomes a problem.

An alarm is activated when operating conditions of a septic system deviate from their regular range of performance. For example, if the water level is greater than it should be, the alarm’s purpose is to notify you of the situation before it becomes a danger.

What does it mean when your septic alarm is going off?

Septic systems are equipped with alarms that sound when they detect that something is amiss with their operation. If your alarm goes off, the first thing you should assume is that there is a problem with your septic system and that the water levels in your septic tank are greater than what is considered to be acceptable. Sometimes “nuisance alerts” are triggered, which means that the alarm is activated even when there isn’t a problem in the environment. These can be harmful since homeowners frequently believe there is nothing wrong with the alarm and disable, disconnect, or silence it without properly resetting it.

Nuisance warnings can be caused by anything as simple as incorrect float installation or a float mast that needs to be adjusted.

What should you do if an alarm goes off?

First and foremost, check your tank to determine whether the level is greater than it should be. Even if you’re not sure whether it is, contact your local septic specialist for assistance. A full-service septic business will often have an emergency line that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with employees standing by to assist you whenever you need them. If the person answering the phone is unable to assist you immediately, they will usually have a technician on standby to assist you.

After attempting to address the issue over the phone, the next step might be a service call, a vacuum truck, or a combination of the two.

Here’s a little something for you.

How to tell if your septic alarm needs to be replaced:

Alarm systems that are properly maintained can endure for 15-20 years, and in some cases much longer. As long as you check their operation on a regular basis, both at the alarm unit and at the float itself, you should feel safe in your house and in the avoidance of floods and backups. When in doubt, swap it out with another one, just like you would with any other electrical device. Compared to the cost and quantity of damage caused by failing sewer systems, individual components of an alarm system are very inexpensive to purchase.

Interior alarms, outdoor alarms, and wireless alarms will all provide you and your property with the safety you want when you need it the most.

Why do you need a professional?

If your septic alarm is sounding, you should always contact a professional to come and inspect it. SepTech’s emergency response line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and technicians are always ready to chat with you concerning emergency situations. Within minutes, one of our technicians will be on the phone with you. You’ll be guided through some basic diagnostic inquiries, asked to check on a few items if possible, and even guided through some troubleshooting as necessary once you’ve been connected to the network.

Our dedication to our clients means that we are always there to assist you whenever you require it. There is really no valid reason not to have an alarm system in place. Even the brand is important.

How to Wire a Septic Pump Alarm

Home-Diy Septic system alarms notify the homeowner if there is a possibility of a sewage backup. Internally, a float switch that is anchored to a fixed point in the tank floats up and down in response to the level of the liquid in the tank. When the liquid level rises over a certain threshold, a switch inside the float shuts the alarm circuit, resulting in the alarm being activated. When the length of the sources is equal to zero, this.parentNode.removeChild(sources); otherwise, this.onerror = null; this.src = fallback; )(, arguments.target.currentSrc.replace(), ‘, /public/images/logo-fallback.png’) ” loading=”lazy”> ” loading=”lazy”> Septic alarms notify homeowners when there is a problem with their septic system.

While one wire is dedicated to powering the pump, the other is dedicated to the septic pump alarm circuit.

The float’s wiring has been completed.

Electrical conduit
Septic alarm float

Screwdriver
Septic alarm with mounting hardware
Junction box with cover Two wire nuts for wire with a gauge of 12 AWG

Tip

By gently pushing on the wire connections, you can determine whether they are secure. Physically raising the alarm floats to their upright position will allow you to test the alert. The alarm will ring if everything is done correctly.

Warning

A junction box must not be connected to the septic tank via a direct conduit. Gases from the septic tank might seep into the connection box and pose an explosive threat to the surrounding area.

At the Tank

Locate the float wires for the alarm system as well as the alarm circuit wires that lead to the home. (They should be clearly labeled.) Push the wires through the electrical conduit and into the junction box as quickly as possible. To assemble the black wires, hold the bare ends of each together and place the pair into a wire nut, twisting it until it is secure. Carry out the same procedure with the white wire and the other wire coming from the float switch
Install the junction box lid and tighten it down to hold in all of the electrical wire.

In The Home

In a high-traffic area near the incoming septic tank alarm wires as well as an electrical plug-in, install the alarm. Incorporate the mounting screws into the alarm housing by threading them through the mounting holes. Screw the alarm into the wall. Connect the black wire coming from the septic tank alarm circuit to the positive terminal of the alarm system. Connect the white wire to the negative terminal on the circuit breaker. Screw the terminal lugs all the way down until they are tight. The alarm’s power connector should be inserted into the power receptacle.

The Drip Cap

Septic system alarms notify the homeowner that a sewage backup is impending
Nevertheless, they are not always effective. Float switches are located inside the septic tank and are connected to a fixed point in the tank. (Float switches should be clearly labeled to indicate where they are located.) The alarm’s power connector should be inserted into the power receptacle.

Is Your Septic System Alarm Going Off

septic alarm systems are designed to keep track of the water levels in the septic tank. They are intended to notify the user if the water level becomes too high or excessively low. As a result, if your alarm goes off or if you notice a red light on your alarm, this might signal that the water level is greater than typical. It is also possible that the problem is caused by a high level of sludge in the tank, in which case septic tank cleaning is usually sufficient to resolve the situation.

Why does the water level increase?

On most septic tanks, a timer has been built, which permits the pump to discharge wastewater into the leach field at predetermined intervals. The timer regulates the periods during which the pump is allowed to discharge wastewater from the system. If a large amount of water is utilized in between pumping cycles, the water has nowhere to go and will continue to rise within the tank until it is exhausted. Is your septic system sounding the alarm? Allow our septic system professionals to assist you.

What are the reasons for high water level in the tank?

It is possible that a high quantity of water in your septic tank system is caused by a variety of factors.

Failure of the sewage system to get electricity – Check your switchboard to verify whether the septic system is receiving power

Extreme water use (long showers, many laundry loads, and using the dishwasher more frequently than normal) might cause an overabundance of water to enter the septic system. Groundwater or rainfall can also collect around the septic system and leak into the tank
This is known as a backflow. It’s possible that the effluent filter is blocked. The effluent filters must be cleaned every six months, or sediments would collect in the filters and cause them to clog. This reduces the rate at which wastewater exits the system, resulting in an increase in the volume of water in the septic tank. Pumps are used in certain septic tanks to transport effluent to secondary wastewater treatment facilities. If the pump has failed, the water level will rise as a result.

This problem can occur in anaerobic treatment systems owing to a malfunctioning aeration mechanism or a high water level in the aeration tank, among other things.

The frequency with which my septic system should be examined is not specified. What is the best way to determine when to pump out a septic tank?

What to do if the septic alarm goes off?

This should turn off the alarm if you press the red button on the alarm box or turn it on with the switch on it. Allow for 10-15 hours of continuous operation of the septic system, and the red light may turn off automatically.

Take note that you should use less water during this period to assist the system in lowering the water level. If the red light turns off, this indicates that your system is operating properly.

Help – The red light is still on!

If the red light on your alarm won’t turn off, don’t get too worked up. Please contact Express Wastewater so that we can assist you in resolving the issue in a timely and professional manner. Emergency situations are given top priority, and we provide services across South-East Queensland. If your septic system requires immediate attention, please call us on 1300 722 517 or complete our online job booking form. When your septic alarm goes off, what should you do? Allow our professionals to assist you.

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We are able to offer the optimum solution for your wastewater needs since we are not a manufacturer and are not bound to a certain technology.

EXPERT TEAM

Because we do this on a daily basis, we have built a close-knit experienced team that can handle every step of the process – from blueprints and council paperwork through excavations, electrical, and plumbing – without sacrificing quality. We take care of everything to ensure that the procedure is as stress-free and speedy as possible.

FREE 30 MINUTE WASTEWATER CONSULTATION

A free 30-minute phone consultation with one of our specialists will guide you through the process if you have never installed a home sewage treatment plant before
Thus, we provide this service to guide you through the process.

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The entire wastewater installation process is handled by us

We can deal with all of the trades, the municipality, and everything else, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

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Have confidence in the fact that Express is a team of certified and insured specialists that will do your task correctly the first time

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Not sure which system is best for you, or want to know if your current system is up and running efficiently? Simply give one of our knowledgeable wastewater specialists a call, and they will be more than delighted to assist you

SAVE UP TO $10,000 ON REPAIRING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

We will always attempt to fix your system rather than replacing it if it is not necessary to do so, which will normally save you a significant amount of money, often up to and beyond $10,000.

What are Septic Alarms and Do I Need One?

As a homeowner, it is critical to ensure that your septic system is in proper working order. Having difficulties with your septic system may be extremely stressful, as well as potentially disruptive to your home and way of life. A septic alarm can be of use in this situation. A septic alarm is a device that lets you monitor the health of your septic tank. The alarm will sound if the water level in the tank becomes too low or too high for a healthy tank to function properly. When your septic alarm goes off, it does not always indicate that there is an emergency situation on your hands.

It is important to know when your septic alarm goes off because it indicates that you should make repairs or other modifications to your septic system.

What to Do When Your Septic Alarm Goes Off (With Troubleshooting Tips)

Septic systems with pumps are often equipped with some sort of warning mechanism to notify the homeowner if something is amiss. The alarm will sound if the water level in the pump tank becomes too high, or in rare cases, dangerously low. The majority of alarms will have a red light and a beeping sound. If the alarm sound is set to “quiet,” just the red light will be illuminated. When the septic alarm goes out, you should immediately turn it off. Then check to determine if the pump is receiving power from the electrical system.

The pump will complete a few of cycles and may be able to remove some of the extra water.

As a homeowner, you should be aware of the following:

What is a Septic Tank Alarm, and How It Works?

There is just one major function of a septic tank alarm: to notify you that the water level within the pump tank has risen to an unsafe level. Water will be removed from your tank every several hours, depending on the size of your tank, the amount of water you use, and a few other technical considerations. Modern septic systems include a timer built into the control box that determines when and for how long water should be evacuated from the system. Pumps are often configured to cycle twice or more times per day, which should be adequate to meet the needs of the majority of households.

Pumping an excessive amount of water into the drain field might result in harm. All of the water that enters the system in between those pumping cycles will remain in the pump tank until the next pumping cycle. If

Get to Know Your Septic System

It is not all septic systems that are created equal. Learn about yours, even if you’ve never had an issue with it. I didn’t have the luxury since the alarm went off just as we were getting settled in. LOL! Find the location of the alarm box. Some alarms have buttons to turn them off, while others have switches to turn them off. Open it up to see the bits that are visible. When you understand how something is intended to appear, you will be able to detect when something is not quite right. On the box, there are two lights: one that is green and one that is red.

It is activated when the red light and sound appear because the alarm is getting a signal that the water level in the septic tank has reached a certain level.

Two Main Things toDo When the Alarm Goes Off?

First and foremost, there is no need to panic. Today’s septic systems are constructed in such a manner that you have ample time to cut water use and detect any issues prior to the system overflowing completely. The warning indicates that the water level has been raised, not that it would explode in a few seconds as some people believe. When the septic alarm goes off, do the following procedures immediately:

Locate the control panel on your computer. To turn off the alarm, press the button or flip the switch (if there is a sound). As you can see in the photo above, I didn’t have any sound because my phone was set to mute. Reduce your water use to a bare minimum until the problem has been fixed. Put your washing machine, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances on hold for the time being. And, if necessary, take a shower, but keep it brief

Why is My Water Level Elevated?

The majority of the time, your septic system alarm will sound because the level of water in your tank is more than it should be, according to the manufacturer. Let’s take a look at the most typical reasons behind this.

Power Problem

Electricity is used to run the pumps. Your pump will not be able to extract water from the tank if there is a power outage or any other power problem. In order to determine whether or not there is electricity to your sewage system, check the primary circuit breaker for your septic system. Check the pump circuit breaker in your control box if you have one; otherwise, proceed to step 3. That is also subject to error. This was, in fact, the source of my frustration. The system was never turned on for the first two weeks we were in our home, which was apparently due to a faulty installation by the electrician who installed it.

Also, make sure the outlets where the pump is connected in are working properly.

Increased Water Usage

You have a set capacity for your septic system, and the pump is configured to push water out in accordance with that capacity. If you are using a significant amount of water in comparison to normal, the level may climb. Performing an excessive amount of laundry, taking repeated showers if you have guests, or even cleaning a large number of dishes might raise the water level. The same may be said about excessive cleaning that necessitates the use of a lot of water.

You are familiar with the amount of water you typically consume, and you can readily identify this as a possible cause for the alert to sound. Fortunately, if you return to regular usage, this issue should be resolved automatically.

Heavy Rain or Floods

It is possible that bad weather is the blame for your tank being full. Heavy rains or floods will cause the earth surrounding the tank to become saturated. The presence of standing water surrounding the tank, particularly if there are any cracks in the tank, increases the likelihood of water getting into it. Rainfall that is very heavy can also flood the earth around the drain field, preventing water from draining out of your septic system properly. You should restrict your water use to a bare minimum in this situation and wait until the soil dries out and the pump eliminates the extra water in the subsequent cycles before taking action.

Clogged Effluent Filter

Cleaning the effluent filter on a regular basis, usually twice a year, is recommended. Essentially, the filter serves as a screening barrier to reduce the volume of solid material that is discharged from a tank into a drain field, which in my case is an underground system. On the tank’s discharge port is a filter that collects any debris. Solid debris can clog the filter and cause the water to flow more slowly. The excess water will remain in the tank for a longer period of time than it should, and new water will be added, raising the level.

Reduce water consumption and wait for a few pump cycles to see if the problem has been resolved.

Pump or Float Failure

Some septic systems, like mine, include submersible pumps, which are fitted with floats that regulate the pump in addition to the timer. After reaching a certain height, the float will record the change and activate a pump to remove the water. Until the effluent in the tank returns to normal levels, the float will temporarily override the timer. If the float is out of commission, it will be unable to control the pump, resulting in the water level rising. The same may be said for a malfunctioning pump.

To determine if the problem is with the pump or with a float, you may use a float to raise the water level and check the pump.

Find the control panel and turn it on. Change the mode of the switch to manual

If the pump is turned on and the water level lowers, the float is the source of the problem. This indicates that the pump is not starting properly
The fault is most likely the pump itself.

The control panel should be located. Change the mode of the switch to manual. It is the float that is causing the water level to decrease when the pump is activated. If the pump does not start, the most likely cause is a problem with the pump.

What About the Blower Alarm

If you have a blower system, you may also have to deal with an additional alert to worry about. Aerobic septic tanks, such as mine, rely on a blower mechanism to pump air into the treatment tank throughout the treatment process. By maintaining microorganisms that digest waste, this system assures the creation of oxygen necessary for the system’s operation.

Solids would not become liquids if this mechanism were not in place. If your blower alarm is going off, it’s possible that your blower is not working. I would contact a knowledgeable specialist to assist me in troubleshooting the situation.

Closing Thoughts

It’s crucial to note that some of these issues might be ongoing in nature. If you discover that they are too frequent, you might consider strengthening your septic system, replace broken parts, or repair them. In any case, discussion with a specialist is required. These common issues frequently arise when there is a significant shift in the amount of water being consumed. Some new residents have recently moved in, for example. Everyone now takes advantage of the shower, laundry, and dishwasher.

There is one thing that must be avoided at all costs: turning a blind eye to the situation.

It has the potential to cause the drain field to overflow.

Update: My Septic Alarm is Going Off Again

The alarm went off again one week after the septic system professional arrived to troubleshoot our situation. For starters, it was because the pump breaker was set to “off” that the problem occurred. The technician suspected that the electrician who had installed it may have forgotten to turn it back on once he had finished. He manually pumped the system and believed that this had resolved the issue. The alarm has sounded once more, but this time the pump breaker has been activated. I also tested the primary circuit breaker, which was found to be operational.

It should most likely be a problem with the pump or float, which is strange considering that this is a brand new machine.

Control box indicates the pump breaker is on
Water at a higher elevation

Technician Came to Troubleshoot the Problem

He arrived and determined that there is nothing wrong with the septic tank system. According to him, we may have a leak somewhere in the home, most likely in one of the toilets. He physically pumped it till the water level had dropped to a safe level. I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with him on this point. I checked all three of our toilets and found no signs of a leak at all. This septic system was intended to handle eight people, and there are presently just two individuals that live in the house.

In my opinion, the alert should not be turned off even if there is a minor leak.

Update: A Manager Asked the Technician to Come Again

Following my conversation with the builder, the technician was requested to return to confirm that everything was functioning properly. In my previous statement, I said that there was no leak anyplace in the house. As a result, the problem had to be something else, and if we don’t repair it, it may happen again. He came to the conclusion that there could be a problem with the amount of wastewater that is discharged with each pumping cycle. Consequently, he raised that quantity a bit by changing the effluent control valve, which is represented in the illustration below.

I’m hopeful that the situation has been resolved. Despite the fact that we recently used much more water due to the visit of my son and his girlfriend, I have not experienced any problems since then. I’d like to thank Scott for his comment below, which served to remind me that

Can my toilet cleaner cause damage to my septic system

Can these common household items cause damage to my septic system
Why Do I Need a Mound Septic System?