When the whole house drains slowly
When one sink is slow, it's usually a plumbing clog. When every drain is slow, toilets gurgle, or sewage comes up in a shower or floor drain, the septic system is the likely cause.
Common causes
- Full tank that needs pumping
- Clogged inlet baffle or pipe
- Failed pump in the pump chamber
- Saturated or failed drainfield
- Root intrusion in the main line
What to do
- Stop using water.
- Check for an alarm.
- Call a septic contractor rather than a drain-cleaning service first, since snaking won't fix a full tank or failed drainfield.
- Keep people and pets away from any sewage.
Related Septic Repair Topics
Septic RepairDrainfield ReplacementTank ReplacementPump & Alarm RepairPumping & InspectionSeptic-to-SewerAlarm Going OffSoggy Yard / Wet DrainfieldSeptic SmellCost Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a backup covered by insurance?
Some policies have sewer backup endorsements; many exclude septic failure. Check your policy.
Will pumping fix a backup?
If the tank is simply full, yes. If the drainfield has failed, the problem will return quickly.
Ready for a straight answer? Tell us about your project and we'll connect you with a licensed, insured local pro for a written quote.
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