Emergency Septic Service in Ocala, FL
Sewage backing up into the house, coming up in the yard, or a pump alarm that won’t stop? Stop using water, stay away from the sewage, and send us a request. A local septic contractor will follow up.
Mark your request as urgent so the contractor knows it’s an emergency.
Right now
What to do first
- Stop using water. No laundry, dishwasher, showers or flushing until the problem is found.
- Keep people and pets away from any sewage, inside or outside.
- Protect yourself. Florida’s Department of Health says to wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves if you have to be near sewage.
- If the power is out and you have a pump-dosed system, it can’t move wastewater, so use as little water as possible.
- If your system has an alarm, check the pump’s breaker, then call a septic contractor.
- Never go into a septic tank. The gases inside can be deadly.
Sources: Florida Dept. of Health, septic safety after flooding.
Cleaning up after a backup
Florida Department of Health guidance:
- Clean hard surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect with ΒΌ cup of bleach per gallon of water
- Never mix bleach with ammonia
- Wash clothes and linens in hot water
- Throw out soaked items that can’t be washed, like mattresses and carpet
- Wash your hands and shower after cleanup
- If the whole house is affected, keep children out and consider leaving until it’s cleaned
Sources: Florida Dept. of Health, septic safety after flooding.
Common causes
Why septic systems back up
A full tank
If the tank hasn’t been pumped in years, solids can block the outlet. Pumping is usually the first fix.
Heavy rain and flooding
Summer storms and tropical systems can saturate the ground so the drainfield can’t absorb anything. UF/IFAS says to cut water use until it drains.
Failed pump or float
On pump-dosed and aerobic systems, a failed pump stops everything. The alarm is your warning. See pump & alarm repair.
Failed drainfield
If backups keep coming back after pumping, the drainfield may be clogged. See drainfield repair.
Sources: UF/IFAS, Your septic system.
Questions
Emergency FAQ
Is sewage in the house a health risk?
Can I keep using the toilet if it drains slowly?
Septic emergency?
Send a request and mark it urgent. Tell us what’s happening and where. A local septic contractor will follow up as soon as they can.