Plumber or Septic Service Provider: Who Should I Call for Septic System Problems?

Do you know who to call for septic tank maintenance? Aside from already having vetted a reputable septic service company, it also helps to know a plumber in case the issues stem from the pipes within your home, instead. Keep reading to learn why you’ll need both contractors’ numbers saved in your phone in case of backups, clogs, or other signs of septic trouble.

Benefits of Hiring a Septic Service Pro for a Septic Tank Issue

If a blockage develops in your septic tank, drain field, or other part of the system outside your home, a local septic service professional is the better choice for clearing and repairing the problem.

These professionals are experienced with all different kinds of septic systems, and in most areas, they’re specifically licensed to complete septic tank pumping and septic tank repairs. They also have the tools and equipment to fix your problem on-site, in most cases.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for a Septic Tank Issue

A plumber can tackle problems in your pipes that lead into your septic tank, like servicing or replacing your main sewer line or even clogs in smaller drain lines in your home, like those under your toilets and leading from your sinks and tubs. Some plumbers do work on septic tanks, but they often need special certification to do so.

Can I DIY My Septic System Repair?

It’s important to take precautions when dealing with your septic system and sewage, which can pose risks to your health and safety if you don’t have significant experience in working with one and its various components. For that reason, you should leave the repairs to the pros.

Even if you know exactly what the issue is and how you could go about fixing it, you should call in a septic system repair tech, or a plumber if the problem is in your drain lines or supply lines. It is possible to try to clear a main sewer line clog yourself, but always have a plumber on call in case something goes wrong.

In some municipalities, it’s illegal for homeowners to DIY work on their septic systems, as mistakes can contaminate the groundwater and pose a threat to everyone in your vicinity.

Know When to Call a Septic Service Pro vs. a Plumber

A septic service company is your best bet when you have a suspected issue with your septic tank, but there are instances in which the tank will seem like the issue but isn’t. In that case, you’ll want to call a plumber instead. Below, we’ll discuss some ways you can tell if you need a septic service company or a plumber.

One Fixture vs. Multiple Fixtures Backed Up

The simplest way to tell if your drainage or backup problem involves your septic system is to count how many fixtures are backed up. If two or more fixtures are backing up or experiencing slow drainage, it’s best to call your local septic system professional.

The reason for this is that, if you just have one fixture backing up, the clog is more likely in the drain line leading directly from the fixture rather than the main sewer line leaving the house. A plumber can snake the drain for you to get it flowing again, whereas a septic professional likely won’t have the tools to do so.

If you have multiple fixtures backed up, it’s more likely stemming from a clog in your main line or a full septic tank, which will back up to multiple smaller drain lines leading to individual fixtures. In that case, a septic company might be a better option.

Back-Ups Close to Your Septic Tank Are Clogging

If the backed-up fixtures are close to the septic system—for example, those on the first floor or basement levels, or those closest to your main sewer line that runs to your septic tank—then you might be dealing with a septic tank plumbing issue rather than a house plumbing issue.

When your septic tank fills up, it will naturally back up first to the nearest fixtures. If that’s the case in your home, call in a septic tank professional first to see if they can address the issue.

If you notice a back-up on the second floor or first floor but nothing in the basement, call in a plumber, as the issue is likely located between the sewer main and the fixture and not in your septic tank.

Standing Water vs. No Standing Water in the Cleanout

If you notice standing water inside or outside of your house, it’s time to call the septic company. For example, if your shower, tub, or washing machine isn’t draining, it could be a septic issue. If you see puddles outside on the grass and it’s been a while since the last rainfall, call your septic pro. And, as lovely as it may be, the greener grass over your septic tank could be a sign that something’s up with your septic system, not a sign that the fertilizer is working. 

On the other hand, if you’ve got low water pressure during a shower, notice brown water coming from the tap, or there’s a constant drip coming from a faucet, a plumber is likely the best person to call for assistance. 

What Sounds Are the Pipes Making?

If you own an older home, you might be used to pipes clanking around. But if you have a septic tank, there are certain sounds you shouldn’t ignore. Here’s who to call in some common situations:

If you’re not sure exactly what your pipes are doing but can sense that something’s amiss, it’s worth the extra call to both contractors. At worst, you’ll pay for a service call when you don’t actually need service—but imagine the bill you could have later if you decide not to call anyone at all.

How Do Pros Fix Septic System Backups? 

Once your septic system provider has diagnosed a blockage, the first step is a routine clean-out of the tank to clear the clog. If that doesn’t do the trick, they may clean out your drain lines with high-pressure hydro-jetting. The additional pressure and force of the hydro-jetting can remove most stubborn blockages.

Your professional may also need to pump out your septic tank, which costs around $400 on average.

Dan Simms contributed to this piece.