Septic System Alarm FAQs

Q&A on the alarm light or tone on aerobic septic system controls
FAQs about alarms on other septic systems & holding tanks

What do we do when the aerobic septic alarm sounds?

Thank God you are here!

We have an Aqua safe system.

Had it cleaned out yesterday and now our aqua safe alarm is going off.

I was told this is normal and should go off in a few days.

I have been trying to research this. could this be due to lack of liquid in the tank causing low pressure?

Do we need to fill it with water? This has never happened before. 2020/01/25 Joyce

Moderator reply:

Joyce

First let's silence the alarm; there should be a switch or button on the control box that will do that. (Post a photo of your control box and I may be able to comment further).

If you don't have an owners's manual for your AquaSafe aerobic system, you might give a call to

Ecological Tanks, Inc. - Manufacturers of Wastewater Treatment Systems
2247 Hwy 151 North, Downsville, LA 71234 USA
Tel: (318) 644-0397

But you shouldn't need to fill your system with water; normal use of plumbing in the home should be all that's needed.

I rather suspect there's a stuck control or float or a leak in the air pump system.

On your AquaSafe the two causes of an alarm to sound are HIGH water (that would mean a pump isn't working) or an aerator pump failure - check that your aerator pump is running.

The company says

" If an alarm condition is observed, it is an indication of malfunction.

First check the electrical circuit providing power to the system to insure the circuit is closed.

Check the aerator compressor to be sure it is operating.

Check for over heating, excessive vibrations and unusual noises.

If an aerator compressor failure is observed, call your service provider for service.

After a power outage, an alarm condition may exist. Should an alarm remain on for more than thirty (30) minutes after power is restored, you should call your local service provider to report the alarm."

I'm looking for more information to see what I can add.

If your Aqua-Safe aerobic is in the AS-500-1500 series then you can download the owners' manual

At inspectapedia.com/septic/Aqua-Safe-AS500-1500-Owners-Manual.pdf

Photo above is of an Aqua-Aire aerobic septic system as installed, showing the control box location. Photo courtesy of AquaAire cited above.

I will repeat your question and our reply at

AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS - what to do if the septic alarm is sounding

Help sort out the cause of repeated septic pump alarm

We have a 2 yr old leach field and a 2 yr old Myers pump. The tank is from the previous system.

Recently, the pump alarm began going off and holding the switch to hand pump would eliminate the high water light.

Basically, the auto feature was not working, so I thought it might be a float problem, so I looked inside the pump chamber. If it was the floats I was looking at, I saw 2 egg shaped plastic balls floating around on their side in the water.

Aren't those supposed to be attached to something? The pump still runs when turned on, but now the auto feature runs constantly and does not shut itself off. We have been turning it on/off by hand.

I am thinking that it may be an electrical problem also because the alarm only sounds when the breaker is flipped and the cover of the box on the pump chamber was broken and the wires and connections were full of mud. Any advice is greatly accepted and appreciated. Thanks zeke On 2012-02-06 by Zeke

Answer by (mod) -

Zeke, If you have not already done so,

- take a look into the pumping chamber when the pump cycles (watch out for falling in and fatal methane hazards, and don't work alone). The egg-shaped floating components you saw may indeed be the floating component of a float switch intended to turn the pump on and off.

In a dual pump backup system a second float is intended to turn on a second backup pump at a higher effluent level in the tank should the first pump fail. In other designs the pumps take turns running.

The fact that your sewage pump does not shut off points to a switch problem. Often the repair is to free a stuck float or to replace the switch component of the system.

The fact that you describe the switch cover open and muddy argues for a replacement of the entire switch control.

Watch out: turn off electrical power before touching electrical components - there is a fatal shock hazard.

Keep us posted - what you find will help other readers.

Aerobic septic pump alarm sounds though the pump and floats are new.

New effluent pump and two new floats but alarm still on. On 2021-01-20 by Crystal

by (mod) - check the liquid level in the effluent tank

I would start by checking the actual liquid level in the sump pit to see if it is in fact correctly turning on the alarm.

If so the outlet may be blocked or you may have a bad check valve.

On my Aerobic system should the High Water Alarm be set to MUTE or RUN?

what position should the HWA switch be in for normal operation? mute or run? On 2020-11-11 by scott lyon

Reply by danjoefriedman (mod)

Set it to "run" - otherwise you won't hear the alarm if the system stops working properly.

But you can mute the alarm if it has sounded and you've called your aerobic septic service company for repair.

Yellow Warning Light on Septic System Q&A

Yellow warning light just came on on the septic control box - what does it mean?

My yellow warning light just came on. I have no clue. I test thensprinklers they work. I test the other 2 buttons in hear nothing. On 2018-11-17 by Germaine -

by (mod) - decoding the light codes on septic alarms - model and brand dependent

Ger

The meaning of light codes on an alarm is brand and model dependent.

But I am guessing that your septic effluent pump may be in need of repair.

In a dual pump system if you are running on the backup unit that might turn on a warning light.

 

 

Red Light on Septic Alarm FAQs

What does the red light mean on the aerobic septic alarm box?

What does red light with no alarm mean on the septic box mean? On 2018-10-13 by Chuck

Aerobic system and the red light is staying on

I have a aerobic system and the red light is staying on. The aerator is working and the pump that sends the water out to the heads is working. I have cleaned and blew the inside of the motor out, cleaned filter and the red light is still on. What's next ? On 2017-04-12 by Jackie Hall -

Reply by (mod) -

Usually the red light on the control box means that the effluent pump is not working or the waste water level is abnormally high in the treatment tank.

Septic alarm sounded and red light on septic alarm box went off: is the system now OK?

Bought house feb 2016. Now red light went off on control box. Silenced the alarm flip the 1st switch down causing the light to turn off. Does that mean the pump is working again.
I have an aerobic system. Just bought the house in february 2016.

Red light went off. Silenced the alarm . check the tank on the outside where as there was a little bit of waste on the ground with a ful smell. The other tanks were dry on the outside. switch the first switch down which caused the light to turn off . does that mean the pump started running again? On 2016-11-06 by Kim rosa

Reply by (mod) -

Kim

I don't know what brand and model of aerobic septic system you have installed, but all of the installation and operating manuals for aerobic septics include a table describing the meaning of various lights, warnings, alarms, and controls. That's what we need.

Typically a red light goes on to tell you that the tank is at abnormal sewage level and that service or repair is needed. Your system may be operating on a backup secondary pump but I'd call a local aerobic septic company for service.

Ask also for an outline or tour of just what you have installed, and if you don't know the brand and model you need help finding that so that you can find what the manufacturer says you're supposed to do to maintain the system working properly.

This may help you with details

CLEARSTREAM AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] Models 500NS - 1500N

The septic pump works but the red alarm light stays on

I had all four tanks cleaned and a new air pump installed. Once the tanks got full the main pump comes on but the red light stays on. I can hear the air pump running. On 2020-05-07 by lafondmike634@gmail.com

Reply by danjoefriedman (mod)

It may not be enough with the pump is running. Check the effluent level in the tank. If that's not dropping there's something wrong with the pumping system.

Septic Alarm Not Working FAQs

On my aerobic septic unit the High water alarm isn’t buzzing at high water level

MY High water alarm isn’t buzzing , but high water alarm float is working once the water level rises by spraying water out sprinklers like it’s supposed to.

I am thinking it may just have a bad connection inside the aerobic tank where the installers spliced the wires placing wire nuts. Any thoughts? On 2018-10-13 1 by Chris

Reply by (mod) -

Chris

From just your text one can't have a clear understanding of the issue.

If the float turns on the sprinklers when it should I agree that that control and switch are obviously working.

Why then would the high water alarm be sounding or why should it sound?

If on the other hand you are seeing the sprinklers on but water abnormally high in the chamber, is there not a second float that activates the alarm?

And let's diagnose, if that's the case, why the wastewater level is abnormally high.

Norweco Septic Alarm FAQs

Norweco Bio-Kinetic Septic Aerator shut down - How to re-set Norweco Aerator Alarm

My NORWECO BIO-KINETIC aerator shut down because of high water reaching the foam restrictor.

Alarm set off, red light on on unit. The cause fixed. The installer claims that water will have to recede before aerator starts again. Do I have to wait? On 2017-08-02 by JR Contreras -

by (mod)

JR- Typically an alarm has to be re-set; at NORWECO, Inc. see the Norweco Aerobic septic manuals and also see the company contact information there and

at AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ATU SUPPLIERS & MANUALS

• Oklahoma DEQ, AEROBIC SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM MANUAL [PDF], Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1677 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677 USA Tel:(405) retrieved 2018/03/13, original source: http://www.deq.state.ok.us/eclsnew/Fact%20Sheets%20ECLS/System%20Fact%20Sheets/Aerobic.pdf
  Excerpt:
  Every aerobic treatment system must have an alarm (visible, audible, or both) that alerts the owner/operator of a system failure. This lets the homeowner know if the aerobic treatment unit or pump tank becomes too full or if there is a malfunction with the system.
  
  The control box or alarm box should be kept in a place where the owner/operator can be easily alerted.
  
  If an alarm is activated, call your maintenance provider or a professional.
• Orenco, VeriComm CONTROL PANEL VCOM-S1-RO MANUAL [PDF], (2002) Orenco Systems Incorporated, 814 Airway Ave., Sutherlin, OR 97479-9012 USA, Tel: 541-459-4449
  Installation instructions, wiring diagrams, etc. for septic system control and alarm equipment.
  Excerpts:
  This document contains general installation instructions for VeriComm® control panels. Consult all supplemental documents (Control Panel Wiring Diagram, Float Arrangement Diagram, etc.) before installation.
  
  VCOMS-S RO Panel overview:
  The VCOM-S RO telemetry-enabled panel is used for remote monitoring and control of ondemand simplex pumping operations. Basic control logic manages the day-to-day functionality of the control panel.
  
  As the [septic] tank fills with effluent, floats activate a discharge pump. A pump cycle starts when the top float is raised by effluent, and ends when the middle float drops. Fault conditions are automatically reported to the VeriComm Monitoring System and not locally at the panel, making the system virtually invisible to the homeowner.
  
  However, if fault conditions are not responded to, or the system cannot communicate with the VeriComm Monitoring System, then local alarms may be activated.
  
  To silence local alarms, press the “Push-To- Silence” button until the audible alarm stops.
  
  Note regarding a normal thumping sound: If the panel contains motor contactors, a thumping sound can be heard each time the pump is started or stopped. Therefore, these panels should not be mounted on an exterior wall unless it is in a location away from living areas, such as on a garage wall.
• SPI 500 OBSERVER 500 INDOOR /OUTDOOR ALARM INSTRUCTIONS [PDF], SPI - Septic Products Inc, 1378 Township Road 743, Ashland OH 44805 USA, Tel: 419-282-5933, Website: http://www.septicproducts.com/
  
  SPI provides alarms including the Observer 100 - 500 alarms, float switches, and "BIO" Aerobic septic system control panels.
  
  For a complete list of instructions for SPI alarms and control panels see http://www.septicproducts.com/installation-instructions

Norweco Singulair Bio-Kinetic 960 Alarm Goes Off and Pump Doesn't Run except when it Rains!

I have a Snigulair Bio-Kinetic 960 aerator septic system that was installed in 2015.

The only time the motor runs is if we get a hard fast downpour of rain. Every day otherwise the alarm goes off.

I thought maybe the motor didn't work because I have to turn that alarm off everyday.

We had a hard downpour last night and the alarm light is off and I can hear the motor working now. I remember this happend last year when it rained hard, but everyday in between the alarm goes off.

Any idea what could be causing this? I don't smell anything from the tank. I don't see any water pooling up anywhere.

The grass does grow pretty fast above the whole system, not sure if that matters. Maybe there is a way to shut off the low water part of the alarm?

I am trying to give as much info as possible without calling the septic company. They want $500 every three years for a maintenance plan, which to me defeats the cost saving of having a septic over city sewage. On 2023-06-25 by Wayne

Reply by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - check for a bad float control on the effluent pump and check for groundwater leaking into the septic tank

@Wayne,

When a pump is running only in response to rain that sounds to me like there are a couple of possible explanations:

1. The effluent pump control switch, typically a float, may be stuck or broken so that the effluent pump does not turn on until the tank floods and a secondary emergency backup float switch is activated
2. Groundwater or rainwater is flooding your septic tank: If so, your system is in serious trouble and is being flooded by groundwater or surface runoff.

Let's get a service company on site to check the condition of the treatment tank as well as your disposal of effluent.

Norweco Singulair Aerobic System alarm light is flashing twice then a 3 second delay and 2 flashes.

Norweco Singulair Aerobic System alarm light is flashing twice then a 3 second delay and 2 flashes. From what I can find this indicates a problem with the motor. I bought a new motor and installed it and still getting the same alarm. What could be the issue? On 2019-04-14 by Chris

Reply by (mod) - here's what to check

Chris:

Check for an outlet blockage.

For an open motor or under current condition, the
alarm light will display two short flashes followed by a pause.

I'm not sure about the 2-3 flash you describe.

Give Norweco a call.
Norweco
220 REPUBLIC STREET
NORWALK, OHIO, USA 44857-1156
TELEPHONE (419) 668-4471
FAX (419) 663-5440
www.norweco.com

Aerobic Septic Alarm is going off after heavy rain

My alarm is going off on my aerator system float was changed out four months ago. Alarm is going off after heavy rain but should the pump be on because it's not and how can I figure out if it's a bad pump or diaphragms inside? On 2017-05-23 by Anonymous

Pump is around 10 years old we had the tank pumped before we moved in August 2016. Float was replaced in November 2016. Its may 2017. I think it's the pump but how can I tell what pvc pipe to look down to see if anything is blocked or if my pump is bad.

My wife noticed the alarm going off pump off and I turn the break off then back and and it was working alarm went off later not sure when probably after the rain. Fuse is good inside my box.

by (mod) - aerobic septic alarm going off, septic pump off

Anon:

I'm a bit worried that rainfall is flooding a pumping chamber, causing high water levels and of course that's not good for the septic system. You'll need to look into the pumping chamber to see the wastewater levels there.

Can heavy rain flooding my septic field cause the aerobic alarm to go off?

Hey, I had my aerobic septic system pumped on May 31st. The very next day we had an extreme amount of rain that lasted through Saturday. According to my septic waste service company, there is no backflow to prevent rain water from flowing into the tank and filling I up.

I have 2 questions:

1) can that overflow cause my alarm to go off and will the alarm reset as the water flows back out.

2) can I DIY a back flow on my Effluent pipe by the ditch for future overflow prevention? On 2017-06-07 by Chris

by (mod) - yes, flooded septic fields sets off alarm

Chris,

Surface or subsurface runoff that leaks into the septic tank or into the drainfield will guarantee that the system will not work. Flooding the soil means that the effluent will not be treated and flooding the tank risks as sewage backup into the house.

The right fix for this problem is to find the water source and directed away from the septic tank. Very modest water leaks into the top of a septic tank might reasonably be dealt with by ceiling those leaks or openings but significant water entering the tank needs to be intercepted and routed away.

A backflow preventer would not prevent this problem since you would still be flooding the drainfield

Aerobic Alarm Repair Tips

The alarm on my aerobic system went off. Fixed a bad aerator diaphragm

The alarm on my aerobic system went off. After seeing the person give me a rebuilt aerator a few years back I did some research.

It was the diaphragm inside the aerator that went bad

I replaced it and the alarm and light went off. It works now as it is humming. I noticed it Monday afternoon and fixed it yesterday. My question is, should my sprinkler system should have kept going off and if not, how long does it take for it to start going back off? (June 5, 2014) David

Reply:

Nice going on fixing the aerator pump diaphraghm, David.

The sprinkler pump for disposing of aerobic septic system effluent is a physically separate pump that is normally controlled by a float switch or a timer. It should be working. Check the effluent level and the pump float switch or timer.

Would effluent dispersal spray head failure cause an aerobic septic alarm to go off

A month ago My maintenance guy left a note saying my Back Spray head is NOT rotating on my Aerobic Septic System. And today In the middle of a hail storm the alarm went off and red lights on. Could they be related? I called to have someone come out but I can’t get a return phone call, so I’m trying to fix it myself I guess. Thanks. On 2023-03-01 by CJ

by InspectApedia Editor - more likely an effluent dispersal failure causing high wastewater in the treatment tank

@CJ,

I'm usually reluctant to suspect multiple defects occurring at the same time, but in this case, I'm not sure how just one effluent dispersal spray head failure would cause an aerobic septic alarm to go off.

The alarm on an aerobic system usually means that there is an abnormally high wastewater level in the system: a bad pump, a clogged outlet line, etc.

Start by identifying the brand and model of your aerobic system, then let's find the owner's manual or IO manual so that we can be sure of what the designer says your system's alarm means (there can be more than one type of alarm, light, sound, color, meaning on a septic system), and thus we can know what's needed.

AquaAir Aerobic Septic Alarm Set off by Fire Ants!

I have an Aqua Aire aerobic septic system. Yesterday my alarm when off.

When I opened the box, the electricals were covered with fire ants. I mean, most connectors were covered. I turned off the power and cleaned it.

The spinkler heads still work, but the alarm will not go off. Also, if I flip the switch to test the pump, it doesn't do anything. Do you have any recommendations? On 2020-04-02 by Richard

by (mod) - evicting the fire ants from the Aqua Aire control

Nice going evicting the fire ants from the Aqua Aire control. Take a quick look at the wiring and connections and wire insulation before digging further into the control's test procedure.

Is it possible connectors were wet from having sprayed a cleaner therein?

 

Will a broken pipe at the aerobic septic tank cause the alarm to go off?

I found a broken pipe right before first tank areobic system when I uncovered the dirt the alarm is gong off, is this from the air from the break On 2021-01-02 6 by Valerina Woods

Reply by (mod) -

Valerina

A broken pipe ahead of the septic tank might permit soil to enter the tank, possibly causing the tank alarm to stick; or of course there could be another problem with the float, alarm, or the actual true level of wastewater in the tank could be abnormally high, such as might occur

if the broken waste line permitted groundwater to flow into and flood the septic tank

or if the septic tank outlet is blocked for any reason: clogging, drainfield flooding or failure, etc.

But air from the broken pipe would not itself cause a septic alarm to sound.

Orange alarm light on aerobic septic control keeps lighting unless I shake the compressor

My aerobic septic system orange light keeps going off. If I go out and shake the compressor it goes off but then comes back on several hours later. This has repeated now 5 times. Is there something I can do to fix this issue? On 2024-06-27 11:47:27.768014 by Nick

Reply by InspectApedia DF (mod)

@Nick,

There are a number of issues that can cause your alarm light to be on. If you don't have the installation manual but can tell us what your system model is, that can help us track that down.

In the meantime, start by walking through the diagnostic steps we list at

AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ALARM

Let us know what you find as that will help other readers or ask more questions if need be.

If you can post a photo of the alarm panel and any labeling, that would also be helpful.

Septic alarm going off, auto feature not working

We have a 2 yr old leach field and a 2 yr old myers pump. The tank is from the previous system. Recently, the pump alarm began going off and holding the switch to hand pump would eliminate the high water light.

Basically, the auto feature was not working, so I thought it might be a float problem, so I looked inside the pump chamber. If it was the floats I was looking at, I saw 2 egg shaped plastic balls floating around on their side in the water.

Aren't those supposed to be attached to something? The pump still runs when turned on, but now the auto feature runs constantly and does not shut itself off. We have been turning it on/off by hand.

I am thinking that it may be an electrical problem also because the alarm only sounds when the breaker is flipped and the cover of the box on the pump chamber was broken and the wires and connections were full of mud. Any advice is greatly accepted and appreciated. Thanks zeke On 2012-02-06

Answer by (mod) -

Zeke,
If you have not already done so,

- take a look into the pumping chamber when the pump cycles (watch out for falling in and fatal methane hazards, and don't work alone). The egg-shaped floating components you saw may indeed be the floating component of a float switch intended to turn the pump on and off.

In a dual pump backup system a second float is intended to turn on a second backup pump at a higher effluent level in the tank should the first pump fail. In other designs the pumps take turns running.

The fact that your sewage pump does not shut off points to a switch problem. Often the repair is to free a stuck float or to replace the switch component of the system.

The fact that you describe the switch cover open and muddy argues for a replacement of the entire switch control.

Watch out: turn off electrical power before touching electrical components - there is a fatal shock hazard.

Keep us posted - what you find will help other readers.

 

My aerobic septic alarm is beeping and the sprinklers will not spray

My alarm is beeping and the sprinklers will not spray all my pumps are in working condition but the sprinklers will not spray and the alarm will not stop beeping On 2023-03-29 23:09:28.511744 by Amber

Reply by InspectApedia Publisher (mod)

@Amber,

An alarm usually means that. The wastewater level in the septic system is abnormally high so you may think your pump is working but it's not.

Or the pump may be running but unable to actually pump If you want because of a blockage in the outlet Piping system.

Look first for a jammed or stuck check valve or effluent line, then stuck sprinkler heads.

No warning lights but the buzzer is sounding on my aerobic septic system control box

The aerobic septic system warning light isn't on and system works but the buzzer still sounds - On 2022-07-07 16:22:53.808482 by pete

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@pete,

Could be a stuck float but you should inspect for abnormally high level in the septic tank pumping chamber.

Aerobic sprinklers work but the septic alarm won't go off

Sprinklers work alarm audible and light in constant alarm. On 2022-04-15 19:12:55.270681 by Ron

Reply by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod)

@Ron,
Look at the waste level in the pumping chamber

The air flow alarm light won't turn off on my aerobic septic tank control box

I replaced both of my air pumps but the air flow light is still on.
Any suggenstions? - On 2022-01-18 y Anonymous

Reply by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod)

@Anonymous,

Look for a leak in the air tubing system.

Signs of bad electrical power to my areobic septic pump

System works fine. Alarm goes off when compressor is plugged into outlet on bottom of box, light comes on for pump failure and have to reset pump.

But when I run an extension cord to another outlet system works just fine.

Replaced outlet on bottom of box, nothing appears burned up, although breaker inside box doesn’t shut anything off. On 2020-07-17 by Brad S

Reply by danjoefriedman (mod)

Brad,

Is it possible to power to the receptacle in the bottom of the alarm box is in fact wired off of the control board and the defective control board is the problem