How to reset a septic tank alarm
A septic tank alarm is a crucial component of a septic system. If you have a septic system on your property, you should have full knowledge in regards to how the alarm was set up and how it works. You should also know what to do when the septic alarm starts ringing.
So, how to reset a septic tank alarm? If your septic alarm is ringing, push the red button. The alarm system will have two lights: red and green. The red light means the water levels are much higher than they should be, while the green light means your alarm is getting power. Next, check that there are no traces of standing water near the tank. Depending on how high the water level inside your tank is, it might take two pump cycles before the red light gets turned off. Until then, use less water.
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Continue reading to find out in detail what a septic tank alarm is, why it goes off, and what to do if your septic alarm goes off.
What is a septic tank alarm?
Most septic systems (if not all) come with a fitted alarm system. The septic alarm is designed to keep a tab on the water elevation inside your septic tank and alert you in case the water level is higher the desired limit. If your septic alarm is ringing, chances are that something is wrong with your septic tank.
Every septic tank should have a pre-installed timer to control when the wastewater can be pumped into the leach field. Thanks to this feature, overloading of the leach field during periods of increased water use can be avoided.
What does it mean when the septic alarm is going off?
If your alarm is ringing, you should assume something is the matter with the septic system. In most cases, a septic alarm means higher water levels in the septic tank.
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Water level problems in the septic tank can occur for a number of reasons. For instance, the water levels may be high because you are putting too much water into the septic system. Running your dishwasher continuously or washing machine back to back several times can pump more water into your septic tank than it can handle. Ground water seeping into the septic system can also cause water levels to rise. Generally, too much rain is the most common cause of seepage. If there is standing water around your septic tank, it can enter the tank and cause the water inside to rise to higher levels. Another reason for dangerously high water levels inside the septic tank is a faulty septic component, like floats, timer, or pump.
Last but not the least, the water levels inside the tank can be high because of the inadequate population of bacteria. Bacteria and enzymes thriving in your septic tank are crucial for waste treatment. They break down the solid waste, allowing the wastewater to be released through the pipes into the drain field. If your septic tank is lacking in bacteria, solid waste matter will not get broken down nicely, which can lead to all sorts of problems.
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To keep your system in tip-top shape, ensure you have a septic inspection on a regular basis. You may also consider using SeptiFix tablets, which release 10 liter of oxygen per tablet and help increase the population of oxygen-dependent bacteria in your tank.
Having said all this, sometimes your septic alarm may go off even when there is nothing wrong with the septic system. This is something not uncommon, so do not be surprised if you inspect the tank and find everything in order. However, keep in mind that turning the alarm off in this case can prove to be a costly mistake. If you turn off the septic alarm, you will not get notified when a problem actually occurs. Because of this, a small issue may snowball into a big and expensive problem.
What to do if your septic alarm goes off?
If your septic alarm is ringing, push the red button. The alarm system will have two lights: red and green. The red light means the water levels are much higher than they should be, while the green light means your alarm is getting power. Next, check that there are no traces of standing water near the tank. Depending on how high the water level inside your tank is, it might take two pump cycles before the red light gets turned off. Until then, use less water.
How to avoid higher water levels inside the septic system?
The best way to avoid septic problems is to schedule a septic inspection on a regular basis. Getting your system inspected by experts will tell you what is going on with your system and help fix potential issues.
You should also consider only septic-safe products. For instance, did you know that the ordinary toilet paper might be harmful for your septic system? That is why we recommend homeowners with a septic system to use only septic-safe toilet papers. Given the fact they are not expensive and easily available, there is no reason to not use them.
Another thing to keep in mind is avoid flushing inorganic material into the septic tank. If you put fatty substances, feminine hygiene products, or diapers into your septic system, chances of backup increase. Also avoid sending antibacterial products into your septic tank. The reason for this is simple. These products can kill good bacteria inside your septic tank and a disturbed bacterial balance in turn can mean that solid waste material will not be properly broken down inside the septic tank.
Lastly, have your septic tank pumped out once every three to five years. This will insure that your septic tank remains efficient and in good shape throughout its life.
