The Midnight Backup: What to Do in a Septic Emergency Before the Pros Arrive

Recognize the Warning Sign

The first step is to ensure you're truly in an emergency. Some of the major issues are normally indicated by toilets that won't flush, multiple drains backing up at once, or sewage showing up around floor drains.

Another warning sign to keep an eye for is standing water close to the drain field. These are typical signs that the septic tank has not been pumped in a long time, and is no longer able to handle the household waste. And a common reason for getting to this point is not keeping up with the septic maintenance.

Protect Your Family and Home

Stop using all the plumbing fixtures when sewage starts backing up. Do not use sinks, run the washing machine or flush toilets until the problem is inspected, as any extra gallons puts pressure on a weak system.

Also, do not let children or pets come into contact with the affected areas, as sewage can contain harmful bacteria. Even though your primary concern now is keeping everyone safe, a professional septic cleaning will remove all the contamination from the backup.

Once you have sorted all this out, the next step is to contact a professional you can trust for a septic service, so they can assess the situation properly.

Talk to our Professional from Septic Pumping of Raleigh

If you have a septic emergency, do not go the try major repairs yourself. Call our septic company in Wyatt, NC right away and tell us what you’ve seen, when you saw it and which fixtures are having the problem.

This information allows our technicians to prepare before they even arrive on site, making the visit that much quicker. Plus, similar backup can be prevented if septic tank pumping is done as soon as possible.

Prevent the Next Midnight Backup

Once the issue is resolved, ask what caused it and how it can be prevented in the future. The majority of backups may be traced back to a system that just needed maintenance. So, to get a smoother and quicker solution, it is better to work with the same septic company for both emergency visits and any follow-up work.

Besides, a reputable septic company will inspect the system regularly, and this can help to find minor issues before they become major ones.

Do you have an Emergency? Call Us

A septic backup at midnight may appear intimidating, but by acting quickly and properly, and maintaining your composure, you can minimize damage before professional help arrives. Ensure you stop using the water, make everyone safe, and prepare the property for inspection. 

If you need expert help, Septic Pumping of Raleigh will be there to help and get your system back to normal in no time at all. Don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as you need help!