What to Do in Case of a Septic Emergency

A septic emergency can turn your day upside down—fast. Whether it’s sewage backing up into your home, standing water in your yard, or a sudden foul smell, one thing’s for sure: time is of the essence. At SOS Septic, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you handle it quickly and safely.

Here’s what to do (and what not to do) if you find yourself in the middle of a septic system emergency.

1. Recognize the Signs of a Septic Emergency

Not every septic issue announces itself loudly. Some sneak up slowly; others hit hard without warning. The most common signs of a septic emergency include:

• Toilets, sinks, or drains backing up

• Gurgling sounds from your plumbing

• Sewage smells inside or around your home

• Pooling water or soggy ground above your drain field

• Alarms from your septic system (if you have one)

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the worse—and more expensive—the damage can become.

2. Stop Using Water Immediately

If you suspect a septic issue, the first step is to stop using water in your home. That means no flushing toilets, running dishwashers, doing laundry, or using sinks. Continuing to use water can add pressure to a system that's already overloaded and may lead to backups inside your home.

3. Call SOS Septic Right Away

Once you’ve paused water usage, the next call you make should be to SOS Septic. Our experienced team is on standby to respond to septic emergencies across Lane, Linn, Benton, and Douglas Counties. We’re family-owned, locally rooted, and we know how to move fast when you need help most.

Don’t Google your way through this. Septic systems are complex, and DIY fixes can make the problem worse. When it comes to raw sewage and underground systems, it’s best to trust licensed professionals.

4. Protect Your Home and Family

If water or sewage has backed up into your home, keep kids and pets away from the affected area. Raw sewage contains bacteria and pathogens that can be dangerous. If it’s safe to do so, turn off power to any affected rooms, especially if water has reached electrical outlets or appliances.

Avoid contact with standing water and don’t try to clean it up yourself without proper protective gear. SOS Septic can help assess the damage and connect you with restoration partners if needed.

5. Don’t Dig or Tamper with the System

When things go wrong, some homeowners are tempted to dig into the drain field or open the septic tank to "see what's going on." Resist the urge. Septic systems are dangerous to handle without the proper equipment and training.

Opening the tank or disturbing the drain field can cause further contamination, personal injury, or additional system failure. Leave the troubleshooting to trained professionals.

6. Prevent Future Emergencies

Once your emergency is resolved, let’s talk about prevention. Regular pumping and inspections are key to avoiding costly disasters down the road. Most systems should be pumped every 3-5 years, but your usage, tank size, and soil type can all affect that timeline.

At SOS Septic, we can help you create a maintenance schedule that fits your home or business. We also work with commercial clients, including campgrounds, gas stations, and rest stops, to keep their systems running smoothly year-round.

We're Here When You Need Us

Septic emergencies are stressful—but you don’t have to face them alone. SOS Septic is just a phone call away, with fast, reliable service from a team that cares.

Call SOS Septic today if you're facing a septic emergency in Lane, Linn, Benton, or Douglas County. We’ll help you get back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.