What is a Fairfax, VA Septic Tank Alarm?

If you are a Fairfax, VA homeowner, who has a septic system on your property, you might have a good idea about what is a Fairfax, VA, septic tank alarm and how it functions. If not, read on.


The main function of a septic system alarm is to alert homeowners in case of emergencies. Most of these high-level alerts indicate that it is time to service the septic tank. Sometimes these alarms can also suggest that a severe storm or heavy rain has worked its way into the tank, causing the tank’s water level to rise. Another situation that may cause these alarms to go off is when a nearby leaking pipe begins to seep into the septic tank, causing the tank’s water level to rise above the accepted levels.


At Advantage Septic Services, we are well aware of the different causes that may lead to your septic system alarm activation. Apart from the reasons mentioned above, a septic tank alarm can also go off if some repair to the piping or tank is needed. This is why we always pay extra attention to the potential problems with a septic tank once the installation is done. We also make sure to respond to a waste removal request from our clients as soon as possible.


What is a Fairfax, VA Septic Tank Alarm?
A septic tank alarm has two components: A sewage ejector pump and a float control switch. These two work together to provide you with a high-level warning which indicates an immediate waste removal service is required. It also helps to release wastewater or partially treated sewage in a controlled manner.


Sometimes the tank may keep on filling up quickly before the removal truck arrives at the site. In such cases, the float continues to rise higher, causing the alarm to go off again. This means your septic tank is in an overfill situation. In such cases, the ejector pump removes the top level of the sewage or effluent and makes sure the float returns to a safe level. Once this happens, the ejector pump stops pumping and turns off the alarm.

The same alarm procedure becomes activated when additional water is added to the tank hoping that it will break down the solid matter. This is not true. Adding more water to an overfilled septic tank will only raise the tank’s float level much faster, causing the system to trigger the septic tank alarm. This will eventually force the owner to make an immediate service request.


If you want to know more about septic tank alarms and how they function, fill-up the form provided on our website. One of our team members will get back to you soon.

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