Septic Tank Alarm Went Off? Here’s What to Do Immediately

By admin | November 13, 2025

A sudden buzzing or flashing septic tank alarm can catch anyone off guard. Is the tank full? Is waste backing up? Is something about to overflow? All these questions instantly pop into your head.

If you’ve experienced this, don’t panic. A septic alarm going off doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem. However, it does mean you need to act quickly and take the right steps to prevent bigger issues.

This expert guide explains what the alarm really means, what you should (and shouldn’t) do, and when it’s time to call professional septic services in Reno before things get messy.

Why Does a Septic Tank Alarm Go Off?

Most septic systems in Reno have a pump, especially when the drain field sits uphill or isn’t at the right elevation. The alarm connects to a float switch inside the pump tank, and it goes off whenever the liquid level gets too high or too low.

Common Reasons Your Septic Alarm Goes Off

The pump isn’t working.
The float switch is stuck.
Excess water is entering the tank.
The breaker has tripped.
The filter or outlet is blocked.
Rainwater has entered the system.
The pump is running inefficiently.

Some issues are small, but some can cause serious backups if ignored. This is why the alarm exists. It gives you enough time to take action before sewage backs up into your home.

What To Do When Your Septic Alarm Goes Off?

1. Stay Calm and Disable the Alarm

A buzzing septic alarm can make anyone feel hopeless. Don’t worry, just silence the alarm to stay calm. However, that’s not the final solution.

You still need to check the indicator light.

If you see a red light on the alarm box, that means the water level in your pump chamber is out of range.
The green light is just a power status.

2. Check for a Power Issue

Sometimes, septic alarms go off because of a simple electrical issue.

Check if there is a tripped breaker in your electrical panel.
Make sure the pump’s GFCI outlet hasn’t shut off.
Confirm the pump control box has power.
Check that no one accidentally unplugged anything during yard work.

A lot of times, alarm calls turn out to be this simple. If power is restored and the pump turns back on, the liquid level will lower and the alarm will reset on its own in about 15-20 minutes.

3. Reduce Water Use Immediately

If there’s no power issue, the buzzing alarm means your system is warning you that it’s under stress. Using too much water can push it to a dangerous point. In such a situation, it’s best to avoid a few things for the next 12-24 hours.

Long showers
Laundry
Running the dishwasher
Heavy toilet use
Any unnecessary water draining

Try to hold off on less important water tasks for a while. This short pause can often prevent backups or overflows until a technician arrives.

4. Look Outside for Obvious Signs

Take a walk around your yard and look for some other unusual signs like -

Wet spots around the drain field
Unusual smells
Standing water
Recently flooded areas
New construction work that may have disturbed the lines

You don’t need to do anything with this information. Just note what you see so you can explain it to your technician when they arrive.

5. Do Not Open the Septic Tank Yourself

Many homeowners think they should inspect the tank. Please don’t. Opening a septic tank is risky.

Dangerous gases can build up inside
Falling in is a real hazard
You may damage components
Bacteria exposure is unsafe

Let the trained technicians handle it safely.

6. Understand Low-Level vs High-Level Alarms

Each septic alarm signals either a high-level or a low-level condition. It’s important to understand what both of these mean.

High-level alarm

The water in the pump chamber is too high. That often means -

Pump failure
Clogged lines
Float stuck
Too much water is entering the system

Low-level alarm

The water is too low. This is less common and usually means -

The pump is running too long
There’s a leak
The tank may be empty when it shouldn’t be

Once you identify which alarm is going off, it’s much easier to figure out what’s causing it.

7. Call Professional Septic Services in Reno

If power is not the issue, the alarm stays on for more than 20 minutes, or you see yard flooding, contact a licensed septic service immediately. If you live in Reno, Easy Rooter Plumbing can help you. We provide -

Fast septic troubleshooting
Quality Septic pumping in Reno
Pump repair and replacement
Full septic inspections
Drain field diagnostics

When your system is sending distress signals, it’s better not to wait. A quick check now can save you thousands in repair costs later.

Need Septic Services in Reno? Contact Us!

What Happens If You Ignore a Septic Alarm?

Avoiding a septic alarm can lead to various issues, like -

Sewage is backing up into showers and sinks
Wastewater is overflowing into your yard
Burnt-out pump
Drain field damage that can cost $7,000–$25,000
Contamination risks
Strong odors inside and outside the home

Most of these issues are avoidable if you take early action the moment the alarm goes off.

How to Prevent Your Septic Alarm From Going Off Again?

Schedule annual inspections because regular annual checks can help catch problems before your septic alarm starts buzzing.
Test the alarm periodically, especially after storms or electrical work, and check your alarm for proper function.
Don’t wait for a surprise breakdown; mark your calendar and schedule septic pumping every 2 - 3 years.
Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Minimize the use of harsh chemicals, avoid flushing wipes, and never pour grease down your kitchen drains.
Keep the panel clean and dry. A dusty or wet alarm panel can fail just when you need it the most.

Questions People Often Ask About Septic Alarm

➢ Should I reset my septic alarm?

No. If you reset it without understanding the cause, you may miss a serious problem. Let a technician check it first.

➢ How long can my home function after the septic alarm goes off?

Usually a few hours, sometimes a day, depending on how much water you use. Reduce water use immediately to avoid backups.

➢ Does a septic alarm mean my tank is full?

Not always. Just like we mentioned in the blog, it may be a pump issue, a power problem, or a stuck float. The best way to confirm the exact cause is to schedule a professional inspection from the trained and licensed local plumbers in the Reno area.

➢ What if the alarm stops on its own?

If it resets because the pump caught up, that’s good. If it resets without reason, you may have an intermittent pump failure that still needs attention from a licensed professional.

➢ Can heavy rain cause a septic alarm to buzz?

Yes. Excess rainwater can enter the system or saturate the drain field, causing levels to rise. As soon as the weather clears up, get in touch with a professional plumber in Reno to come and inspect your system to rule out any chances of overflow or backups.

➢ Who should I call when my septic alarm goes off?

You should call a licensed septic service provider. If you live in the Reno area, Easy Rooter Plumbing is your best choice. With over 46 years of experience in the plumbing industry, they know what they are doing. They can check the septic pump to pinpoint the real issue and repair your system so that you can go back to your regular life without worrying about backups and the alarm going off anytime soon.

Takeaway

A septic alarm going off can be overwhelming when you have no clue about what to do next. Knowing the right steps that we have mentioned in this blog can help you prevent major damage and costly repairs.

Above all, you need to stay calm, check for simple power issues, reduce water use, and avoid opening the tank yourself.

In situations like this, don't panic, just call your local plumbing company. They will send a team of trained and experienced plumbers who can inspect, pump, and repair your system safely.

All in all, with quick action and regular maintenance, you can keep your home protected and your septic system running smoothly.

Read More:

Worried About Your Septic Alarm? Plumbers at Easy Rooter Plumbing Can Fix It

If your septic tank alarm goes off in the middle of the day, or you’re facing other septic tank issues like overflowing, sewage backups, contact Easy Rooter Plumbing in Reno. We will be at your doorstep with a team of the best licensed plumbers in Reno for quick emergency repairs.

With over 46 years of experience and a well-trained professional team of plumbers, we quickly inspect the hidden issues. Whether it’s a faulty alarm, a major blockage, or routine septic pumping, we handle it all.We also offer emergency service so that you can call us anytime, even on weekends or after hours. For fast and affordable septic services in Reno, contact us at 775-252-4583.

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