How Much Does It Cost to Install a Septic Tank Alarm?

Septic system malfunctions can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. If images of backups leave you sleepless, a septic system alarm may give you peace of mind.

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At a cost of only a few hundred dollars, an alarm can help you prevent the devastating damage that can result from a septic system malfunction.

How Does Your Septic System Work?

Unless your home is hooked up to a city sewer system, you probably have a septic tank and drain field to dispose of household wastewater. When you flush a toilet, empty a bathtub or run your washing machine, the wastewater travels through a pipe from your house to a septic tank, which is buried in your yard. There, solid waste settles to the bottom, while grease and oil float to the top. The remaining liquid exits the tank through a network of pipes, where it drains out into the soil to be naturally filtered.

What Is a Septic System Alarm, and What Does It Do?

If a septic system is pumped and inspected every three to five years, it should work properly for decades. However, these systems can malfunction for numerous reasons, including a cracked tank, clogged pipes or a lack of maintenance. They can even back up if the tank fills with excess water due to heavy rainfall or a toilet that runs continuously.

A septic tank alarm alerts you if the water level in your septic tank is too high or too low, indicating a potential problem. It’s intended to be an early warning that lets you know your system isn’t working properly so you can address it before wastewater backs up into your home or leaks into the environment — damage that isn’t covered under most standard homeowner's insurance policies. These alarm systems can also help you address minor issues, such as clogged pipes, before they become costly major issues.

How Does a Septic Tank Alert System Work?

Septic system alarms monitor the water level in a septic tank through a float switch or septic tank sensor. The switch or sensor is set to trigger when the water in the tank reaches a certain level. When the septic tank sensor is triggered, an alarm sounds.

The alarm box, which emits an audible signal often accompanied by a red blinking light, is typically mounted on the side of your house nearest the tank. However, some systems may use an indoor septic tank alarm, which can be installed in a basement or utility room. Either way, it should be loud enough to hear easily.

If your system is working properly, a septic pump alarm shouldn’t go off from regular water usage. However, a high-water alarm may sound if there’s too much sludge in your tank or if a storm system causes the water level to rise. The sensor may trigger a low-water alarm if the pump malfunctions or a crack in your tank causes water to leak out.

Most septic tank alarm systems come with a red button or switch that lets you reset the device after an alert. Problems caused by storms or excess water usage often resolve on their own. If they do, the alarm will switch off by itself. However, if the alarm keeps sounding and you can’t readily identify the cause of the problem, you should call a professional to investigate.

More Related Articles:

• Why Is My Septic Drain Field Wet?

• What Is a Septic Inspection? (And How Do I Know If I Need One?)

• How to Reduce Septic Odors

• Your Leaky Septic System Is a Hazard. Here's Why

• What Do You Do If Your Sump Pump Alarm Goes Off?

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Septic Tank Alarm?

Typically, septic tank alarms are aftermarket devices you pay for separately from your actual septic system. The cost to install a septic tank alarm averages between $250 and $400 (CAD 341 and CAD 546), according to data from HomeGuide. Although individual units can be purchased at home improvement retailers for under $100 (CAD 136), installation is best left to professional septic system contractors. These professionals typically charge about $160 (CAD 218) per hour, according to Bob Vila.

How Can I Find the Right Company to Install a Septic System Alarm?

Septic system repairs and installations require specific expertise, so look for a plumber or other company that specializes in this area. Make sure they’re licensed, bonded and insured, and ask if they guarantee their work.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.