Septic repair in the Phoenix area
When you have a backup, slow drains, a sewage smell or an alarm, a local contractor finds the cause, whether that's a full tank, a clogged filter, a broken baffle, a failed pump or a struggling leach field.
Call (480) 542-8315 Request service
What to do right now
- Stop running water: no laundry, dishwasher or showers until the problem is found.
- Keep people and pets away from wet or soggy ground over the tank or field.
- Don't open the tank or lean over an open one. Septic tanks hold harmful gases and are a fall hazard.
- Call (480) 542-8315 or request service.
Common problems and fixes
| What you notice | Usual causes | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow drains or gurgling throughout the house | Full tank, clogged effluent filter, blocked line | Pump the tank, clean the filter, clear the line |
| Backup in the lowest drain | Blockage between the house and tank, or a full tank | Clear the line, pump the tank |
| Sewage smell in the yard | Lid or riser not sealed, full tank, effluent surfacing | Reseal the lid, pump, check the leach field |
| Wet ground or a green strip over the field | Leach field saturated or failing | Evaluate the field; see leach field repair |
| Alarm sounding | Pump or float switch problem in a pump tank or aerobic unit | Service or replace the pump or float |
| Broken or missing baffle | Age and corrosion | Replace the baffle |
Tree and shrub roots can also grow into lines and tanks. If roots are the problem, the contractor clears them and talks to you about what's planted nearby.
Repair or replace?
Most problems inside the tank or the line to the house are repairable. The bigger decision comes when the leach field stops draining, or when an old tank is cracked or collapsing. Then the fix may be a new field or a new system, which needs a county permit. See leach field repair and installation and replacement.
Questions people ask
Is a septic backup an emergency?
If sewage is coming into the house, treat it as one. Stop using water and call. Raw sewage is a health hazard and the damage grows with every flush.
Will homeowner's insurance cover septic repairs?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Check with your insurer before work starts, and keep the contractor's written findings.
Do I need a permit for a repair?
Simple repairs like replacing a baffle or a pump usually don't change the system's design. Replacing a leach field or a tank generally does, and that work goes through the county.
Request septic service
Tell us what's going on and a local septic contractor will call you back. Or call (480) 542-8315 now.
Call for pumping, repairs or a home-sale inspection.
Call (480) 542-8315