What should I do first in a septic emergency?

Stop using all water in the house immediately. Do not flush toilets, run faucets, or use washing machines. Keep children and pets away from any standing sewage in the yard. Then call a local septic company that offers emergency service.

How much does emergency septic service cost?

Emergency septic service typically costs 50% to 100% more than a scheduled visit. Where a routine pumping costs $300 to $600, an emergency call can run $500 to $1,200 depending on the time of day, travel distance, and the nature of the problem. Weekend and holiday calls carry additional surcharges of $150 to $300.

How do I know if it's a septic problem or a plumbing problem?

If multiple drains in the house are slow or backing up at the same time, it is most likely a septic issue. If only one drain is affected, it is probably a plumbing clog. Sewage smells in the yard, wet spots over the drain field, or a septic alarm going off all point to a septic problem.

Septic Emergency? What to Do Right Now

Do These Three Things First

Stop using water. Do not flush toilets, run sinks, take showers, or start the dishwasher or washing machine. Every gallon you send down the drain makes the problem worse.
Keep people and pets away. If sewage is visible in your yard, it is a health hazard. Raw sewage contains bacteria and parasites. Keep children and animals out of the area.
Call a septic company with emergency service. Not all companies offer after-hours or same-day service. When you call, be ready to describe the problem clearly (see below).

Is This Actually a Septic Emergency?

Some situations need a septic company. Others need a plumber. Calling the wrong one wastes time and money.

Call a septic company if:

Multiple drains in the house are backing up at the same time
Sewage or dark water is pooling in your yard, especially near the septic tank or drain field
There is a strong sewage smell outside near the tank area
Your septic alarm is going off (if you have one)
Toilets and showers are backing up together

Call a plumber if:

Only one drain or toilet is clogged
The problem is isolated to one bathroom or one fixture
You can clear the clog with a plunger

Not sure? Read our full septic vs. plumbing problem guide for a symptom-by-symptom breakdown.

What to Tell the Company When You Call

The more specific you are, the faster they can help. Be ready with:

What is happening right now (backing up inside, sewage outside, alarm, smell)
When it started
How many drains are affected
When the tank was last pumped (check your records if you have them)
Whether you know where the tank and drain field are located
Any recent heavy rain or flooding in your area

This information helps the technician bring the right equipment and gives them a head start on diagnosing the issue.

What Emergency Service Typically Costs

Emergency septic calls cost more than scheduled service. Expect to pay 50% to 100% above the standard rate.

Emergency pumping: $500 to $1,200 (vs. $300 to $600 for scheduled)
Weekend/holiday surcharge: $150 to $300 on top of the emergency rate
After-hours call fee: $100 to $200 just for showing up outside business hours

Get a verbal quote before authorizing work. A reputable company will give you a cost estimate over the phone once you describe the situation. If they refuse to give any estimate, call someone else.

While You Wait for the Technician

Continue to avoid using any water in the house
Do not try to open the septic tank lid yourself
If sewage is inside the house, avoid contact. Do not try to clean it up until the backup stops
Open windows for ventilation if there is sewage smell indoors
Locate your septic tank and drain field area if you know where they are, so you can point the technician to them

Septic Emergency? Here's What to Do Right Now