DIY Septic Tank Alarm Troubleshooting Techniques

Septic tank alarms are essential components of a septic system. They alert homeowners when the water level in the pump tank is rising higher than it should be, indicating a potential problem. However, like any other system, septic tank alarms can malfunction, causing unnecessary panic or, worse, failing to alert you when there’s a real problem. This article will guide you through some DIY septic tank alarm troubleshooting techniques that can help you keep your system in check.

Understanding Your Septic Tank Alarm

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to understand how your septic tank alarm works. The alarm is triggered when the water level in the pump tank rises above the “alarm float.” This could be due to a malfunctioning pump, a power outage, or a problem with the float switch itself. The alarm usually consists of a buzzer and a light, both of which should activate when there’s a problem.

Common Septic Tank Alarm Problems and Solutions

Now that you understand the basics, let’s look at some common problems that can trigger your septic tank alarm and how to troubleshoot them.

1. False Alarms

False alarms are common and can be caused by several factors. For instance, heavy rainfall can temporarily increase the water level in the tank, triggering the alarm. In such cases, you can wait for the water level to go down and see if the alarm stops. If it doesn’t, there might be a problem with the float switch.

2. Power Outages

If there’s a power outage, your pump won’t work, causing the water level to rise and trigger the alarm. Once power is restored, the pump should start working again, and the alarm should stop. If it doesn’t, you might need to manually reset the alarm.

3. Pump Failure

If your pump is not working correctly, the water level in the tank will rise, triggering the alarm. You can check the pump’s circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If it has, resetting it might solve the problem. If not, the pump might need to be repaired or replaced.

4. Float Switch Problems

The float switch can get stuck, fail to activate the pump, or trigger the alarm even when the water level is normal. You can check if the float switch is moving freely. If it’s not, cleaning or replacing it might solve the problem.

Steps to Troubleshoot Your Septic Tank Alarm

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting your septic tank alarm:

• Check if there’s a power outage. If there is, wait for the power to be restored and see if the alarm stops.
• If there’s no power outage, check the pump’s circuit breaker. If it has tripped, reset it.
• If the circuit breaker is fine, check the float switch. If it’s stuck, clean it or replace it.
• If none of these steps work, you might need to call a professional to check the pump and the rest of the septic system.

When to Call a Professional

While these DIY troubleshooting techniques can help you solve common septic tank alarm problems, some issues might require professional help. If you’ve tried all the steps above and the alarm is still going off, it’s time to call a professional. Also, if you’re not comfortable doing these steps yourself, it’s better to call a professional right away to avoid causing further damage to your septic system.

Summary

Septic tank alarms are crucial for alerting homeowners of potential problems with their septic system. Understanding how your septic tank alarm works and knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can save you time and money. However, some issues might require professional help. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the alarm yourself or if you’ve tried all the steps and the alarm is still going off, it’s time to call a professional.