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How To Handle A Septic Emergency

May 1, 2017

Having a backed-up septic system stinks! If you are one of the 25% of homeowners with a septic tank in your yard, you may experience an emergency one day. On average, septic systems should be checked and pumped every 3 years but it doesn’t always happen. Septic systems also rely on bacteria to organically break down waste material. Adding chemicals or non-organic material to the tank can kill the necessary bacteria for a healthy system. The result can lead to many homeowners’ worst nightmare.

Signs You Have a Septic Emergency on Your Hands

You can usually follow your nose if you suspect something has run afoul, but just in case you need further evidence, look for the following issues:

  • Toilets, showers and sinks draining noticeably slower than usual
  • Unpleasant black liquid in your toilets
  • Wastewater puddling on the ground in your yard, especially by your septic mound
  • Unusually green grass around your septic mound

What to Do If Your Septic Tank Is Backing Up

There are really only two options when your septic system backs up. The first, simply never use your plumbing in any way, ever again. The second (and only realistic solution), call a septic system specialist immediately! Most septic services offer 24-hour emergency service. If you notice any of the signs above, do not put it off until the morning. Make the call right away.

How to Avoid a Septic Overflow

The best way to handle a septic back up is to prevent it in the first place. Septic systems are green, environmentally friendly waste management systems, but that means that anything you put in your pipes goes straight into your septic system.

  • Household cleaners (especially chemical drain cleaner)
  • Large quantities of solids (use garbage disposals sparingly)
  • Absolutely NO paint thinners or other hazardous materials like gasoline
  • Grease, bacon fat, etc.


For more information about how to prevent a backup, or what to do in the case of a septic emergency, contact C.E. Taylor And Son, Inc. in Lexington, Kentucky, today.

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