What to do if your septic alarm is going off
The sound of a septic alarm can be stressful. It's hard to know if your system has a minor fault or needs urgent attention. Either way, you're in the right place.
This guide walks you through the most likely causes and explains what to do next.
Whatever the reason for the alarm, we can help you get your system back in working order.
Your alarm is sounding but everything else seems normal
If your septic alarm is going off but nothing else seems out of the ordinary, the cause is likely minor.
Signs that point to a minor or false alarm:
- your control panel shows a light or indicator but no obvious fault
- your drains are flowing normally
- no unusual smells indoors or outdoors
- no wet or waterlogged ground near your system
In most cases, a minor alarm is triggered by a temporary rise in water level — after heavy rain or a period of high water use. Once the level drops, the alarm should reset on its own.
What to do next
Don't ignore the alarm, but don't panic either.
Give your system a chance to recover by reducing your household water use. If the alarm resets within a few hours, the situation has likely resolved itself.
If the alarm continues for more than a few hours without resetting, call a specialist. It may need a simple adjustment or reset.
Your alarm is sounding and something else doesn't seem right
If your alarm is going off and you notice other signs that your system isn't behaving normally, the cause might not be temporary.
Signs that point to a developing problem:
- the alarm has been going off repeatedly or for an extended period
- your control panel shows a fault or warning indicator
- your drains are slower than usual
- a faint smell of sewage outdoors, near your system
These signs usually point to a component that is beginning to fail or a system that is overloaded and struggling to keep up.
What to do next
This needs professional attention soon. Don't wait for the problem to escalate.
Ask an off-mains specialist to inspect your system and identify the fault before it develops further.
While you wait:
- reduce water use in your home where possible
- note which indicators are showing on your control panel
- monitor whether the symptoms are getting worse
Your alarm is sounding and your system is failing
If your alarm is going off and you notice other serious signs, your system has likely stopped working altogether.
Signs that point to a system failure:
- your control panel shows a fault indicator
- sewage backing up into sinks, baths, or toilets
- waterlogged or discoloured ground near your septic tank or drainage field
- all drains in your home have stopped working
- a strong sewage smell outdoors, near your system
If you see these signs, your alarm is telling you that wastewater has nowhere to go. If it hasn't already, it will back up through your pipes or overflow around your system.
What to do next
A failing system is a health risk and can cause serious damage to your property.
Call a specialist as soon as possible. They need to be on site to identify the cause of the failure and how to fix it.
While you wait:
- stop using all water in your home — no flushing, no sinks, no laundry
- keep children and pets away from any area where sewage has surfaced
- do not attempt to clean up sewage without protective gloves and clothing
Still not sure what your alarm means?
Septic alarms can be hard to read. If you're unsure what your system is telling you, get in touch and we'll help you work it out.
