Septic system backups are not only hazardous to your family’s health—they can also cause extensive damage to your home, which is why it’s important to keep your system running smoothly with routine septic pumping and maintenance. However, even homeowners who stay on top of their septic system maintenance needs can find themselves faced with a backup from time to time. According to the septic cleaning and repair specialists at A & C Septic Tanks & Portable Toilets LLC in Douglas, GA, knowing which steps to take at the first sign of a problem can help prevent extensive damage from ravaging your home.

Here are the top three steps you should take if your septic system backs up:

• Have the Problem Assessed: If you find signs of sewage backed up in your home or yard or you smell methane gas coming from your property, get to the root of the problem quickly. These symptoms can be indicators of your tank exceeding its holding capacity. Have a septic specialist inspect your tank to find the cause of the problem. At this point, they will probably pump your tank to get a better picture of what may have caused the backup.
• Tackle Any Repairs: If your tank backed up simply because you went too long in between having your septic system pumped, a specialist could fix this problem immediately. However, issues, such as broken pipes or clogged screens, are often the source of backups. When handled by a professional, these issues are relatively inexpensive and quick to repair. 
• Knowing When It’s Time for Replacement: There are some septic issues that can’t be fixed through simple repairs. If your drain field has a major issue, for instance, you may have to replace all or a portion of your system. Speak with your septic system specialist to see if any portions of your system can be salvaged when faced with a necessary replacement, which can save you thousands.

Knowing who to call when a septic system issue strikes is critical. Contact the professionals at A & C Septic Tanks & Portable Toilets LLC by calling (912) 383-7005, or visit them online to learn more about their full complement of septic tank installation, pumping, and repair services. You can also like them on Facebook for updates on social media.