Cause

Septic systems alarm when liquid levels in the pump chamber or holding tank rise to an unsafe level. Broken pumps and plugs in drain lines commonly set off high water alarms. Holding tanks alarm to alert the homeowner to have the tank pumped. Low water condition alarms sound the presence of septic tank leaking sewage into the ground. Effluent filters contain their own alarm that activates when the filter plugs.

Effect

Ignoring septic system alarms and continuing to add liquid to the tank will eventually result in human contact with pollutants. Liquid travels downhill and through the easiest route. This route may be back into the house or out of the tank and onto the lawn. Inside the tank, baffles keep debris and non-liquids out of the drain-field. During high water events, when water reaches heights over these baffles, this material flows into the dispersal pipes and causes plugging.

Alarm

Septic alarms consist of a float tethered to a fixed position within the tank, an electrical circuit and an audible and visual attention-getter. The alarm float is simply a waterproof switch that switches to the on position when liquid levels rise. Just like you turn a light on with a wall switch, the float switch turns on a light and buzzer. Low water alarms work in the same manner, except their on position is inverted.

Reserve Capacity

Septic system designers realize that water may continue to flow into the septic tank after the alarm sounds. Leaking water fixtures within the home, household members unaware of the problem or leaking tanks must be accounted for. When an alarm sounds additional storage capacity may exist for the liquid into the tank. This reserve capacity acts as a buffer until the owner can have the tank pumped or the problem fixed.