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 a septic tank alarm goes off, it signals a potential issue that needs immediate attention. Anything from heavy rain to a power loss to an overfilled tank could be causing the warning. This guide will walk you through why your septic system alarm is going off, what steps to take, and how to prevent future problems.

What Is a Septic Tank Alarm and How Does It Work?

A septic tank alarm is a warning system that alerts homeowners when their septic system is experiencing issues. It monitors the water levels within the septic tank or pump chamber and activates an alarm if levels rise too high or drop too low. These alarms typically feature both audio and visual indicators, such as a loud buzzer or flashing light, mounted on an exterior wall or near the tank.

Septic tank alarms help you know when you’re having a septic tank problem. That way, you can take early action before you have to pay for a massive repair.

Common Reasons Why Your Septic Alarm Is Going Off

There are several reasons why the tank alarm on your septic system is going off. Some of the most common causes include:

• Heavy rain or flooding: If your septic tank alarm is going off after heavy rain, your system could just be overwhelmed by all the water. Excessive rainfall can cause too much groundwater to seep into the system, saturating the drain field and leaving no room for wastewater. 
• Power issues: 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. A power outage or tripped breaker can shut off the septic pump.
• Increased water usage: Running multiple appliances, taking long showers, or having guests over can cause water to enter the system too quickly. Even watering your lawn more than usual or draining the pool can lead to a flooded field.
• Pump or float switch malfunctions: The septic pump or float switch may fail, causing an imbalance in the system’s water levels.
• Accidental disconnection: A loose or disconnected alarm wire can mistakenly trigger an alert.

If your septic alarm keeps going off regularly, it’s definitely a sign you need to schedule septic pumping service.

What to Do When Your Septic Tank Alarm Goes Off

If your septic tank alarm went off, follow these steps to assess the situation and prevent further issues.

Turn off The Septic Tank Alarm

The alarm on your septic tank going off can be shocking, but it doesn’t always mean there’s an immediate emergency. First things first — turn off the alarm so you can focus better. Here’s how to silence it:

1. Locate the alarm box near your septic system.
2. Press the red button or toggle the alarm switch to turn it off.

These steps should reset the septic tank alarm. But if the alarm light remains on, this indicates an ongoing issue.

Reduce Water Usage

In many cases, your system might just be overloaded with water. Luckily, this is a simple fix — just stop using so much water to give your septic tank time to empty.

• Stop using washing machines and dishwashers.
• Take shorter showers and limit flushing toilets.
• Avoid draining large amounts of water at once.

Check for Obvious Issues

After you’ve reduced your immediate water consumption, you might want to check for any physical issues. This includes:

• Checking the breaker panel for tripped switches.
• Inspecting the float switch to see if it’s stuck or out of place.
• Looking for disconnected wires that may have triggered a false alarm.

Call a Septic Professional if Needed

If you’ve checked the basics and the issue persists, contact a professional for further septic system alarm troubleshooting. For example, only a professional can handle pumping and removing septic solids that could be causing clogs and backups.

Ignoring alarm warnings can lead to serious septic failures.

How to Prevent Future Septic Tank Alarm Issues

There are several things you can do to lower the chance of your septic tank alarm going off again. These include:

• Scheduling routine septic tank maintenance and pumping: Regular service ensures your system operates efficiently.
• Being mindful of what goes down the drain: Avoid grease, wipes, and other non-biodegradable items.
• Installing a backup power source: A generator or battery backup can keep your system running during power outages.
• Keeping roots away from your septic tank: Over time, roots will be drawn to your tank’s moisture and penetrate the plumbing.

Know What Your Septic Alarm Is Telling You

Your septic tank alarm going off is a signal that something needs attention. Common causes include excess water from rain, power failures, or pump issues. Taking immediate steps — such as checking for power, reducing water usage, and consulting a professional — can prevent more serious septic problems later on.

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. Our professional plumbers have years of experience tackling all sorts of septic tank problems and can get your system as good as new in no time.