Top 7 Reasons Your Septic System Fails—And How to Prevent Every One of Them

Most septic disasters are preventable. Here are the biggest causes of failure and how we help homeowners avoid them every day.

1. Not Pumping the Tank on Time

The #1 cause of backups. Regular maintenance is the cure.

2. Flushing the Wrong Items

Wipes, tampons, cotton swabs, and paper towels clog septic systems fast.

3. Heavy Water Usage

Too much laundry or long showers can overload the tank.

4. Tree Roots in the Lines

Roots break pipes, block flow, and destroy drain fields.

5. Poor Drain Field Health

When soil can’t absorb wastewater, the entire system fails.

6. Using Harsh Chemicals

Bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps kill the good bacteria your tank needs.

7. Old or Damaged Pipes

Aging systems need regular inspection to catch early signs of wear.

We Protect Your Home From All 7 Problems

Our team handles pumping, inspections, repairs, and full system replacement when needed. Fast, clean, affordable.

For fast service in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek, and North Fulton, call 770-922-1434 or visit ActionSepticTankService.com.

Emergency Septic Backup? Here’s What To Do Before It Gets Worse

A septic backup can happen without warning—but what you do in the next 30 minutes makes all the difference.

1. Stop Using All Water Immediately

Prevent further flooding by shutting down washing machines, showers, and sinks.

2. Check the Lowest Drain in Your Home

If water is coming up through tubs or floor drains, your tank is full or your main line is blocked.

3. Don’t Try DIY Fixes

Store-bought chemicals damage your system and make professional repair more expensive.

4. Keep Children and Pets Away

Wastewater contains harmful bacteria—avoid contact until a professional arrives.

5. Call an Emergency Septic Technician

We respond fast, pump the tank, clear the line, and restore normal flow safely and professionally.

Backups never fix themselves. The longer you wait, the more damage spreads.

For fast service in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek, and North Fulton, call 770-922-1434 or visit ActionSepticTankService.com.

Why You Should Never Ignore Septic Smells—What the Odor Is Really Telling You

A septic odor is more than unpleasant—it’s a danger signal from your system.

Common Causes of Septic Odors

  • Full or overflowing tank
  • Clogged vent pipes
  • Cracked or leaking lines
  • Drain field failure
  • Improper bacteria balance in the tank

Are Septic Odors Dangerous?

Yes. Wastewater gases can contain methane and hydrogen sulfide, which are harmful to breathe and can indicate system leaks.

What To Do When You Smell Something

  1. Don’t mask it with air fresheners—it won’t go away.
  2. Avoid flushing anything unusual.
  3. Call a licensed septic professional immediately.

Our technicians locate the source fast, fix the problem, and protect your home from toxic exposure.

For fast service in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek, and North Fulton, call 770-922-1434 or visit ActionSepticTankService.com.

How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank? The Homeowner’s Complete Guide

Most septic failures happen because homeowners wait too long between pumpings. But pumping isn’t guesswork—it’s science.

Recommended Pumping Schedule

  • 1–2 people in home → Every 4–5 years
  • 3–4 people → Every 3–4 years
  • 5+ people → Every 2–3 years

What Affects Pumping Frequency

  • Laundry volume
  • Garbage disposal use
  • Water usage
  • Age of your septic system
  • Tank size

If you’ve never pumped your tank—or you’re not sure when it was last done—it’s time.

Why Regular Pumping Saves You Money

A routine pump costs a fraction of what a failed drain field costs. Preventative maintenance is the #1 way to avoid emergency backups.

For fast service in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek, and North Fulton, call 770-922-1434 or visit ActionSepticTankService.com.

Septic Service and Line Replacement, Roswell, GA

In Roswell, we found a break in the mainline. This caused a septic system backup. We replaced the broken line with PVC. This allowed the system to properly flow. 

The mainline is the main pipe that carries all the water from the house to the septic tank. Signs of a problematic mainline may include sewage backups, gurgling pipes, slow drains, and pooling water in the yard. 

To keep the system running smoothly, we suggest having the septic tank pumped every 2-3 years. The system should also be inspected at the time of service. 

For more septic information and service, call Action Septic Tank Service at 770-922-1434 and visit our website, Action Septic Tank Service.

Action Septic Tank Service is located in Alpharetta-Milton, GA, in North Fulton County. We provide residential, commercial and industrial septic and sewer service for North Atlanta, Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. We are open daily from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM and also provide emergency service.

Septic and Sewer Services: septic pumping, septic cleaning, maintenance, inspections, installations, line repair and replacement, drainfield repair and replacement, hydro jetting, sewer line cleaning, sewer line repair and replacement, dry wells, alternative systems, backhoe work, backflow prevention, excavating, septic treatments, grease trap cleaning and care

North Atlanta – Metro Atlanta Service Areas: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Buford, Canton, Crabapple, Cumming, Duluth, Dunwoody, East Cobb, Gainesville, Gwinnett, Holly Springs, Johns Creek, Lanier, Marietta, Metro Atlanta, Milton, Norcross, North Atlanta, North Fulton, Peachtree Corners, Roswell, Sandy Plains, Sandy Springs, South Forsyth, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Waleska, West Cobb, Woodstock

North GA Counties: Barrow County, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Dawson County, DeKalb County, East Cobb County, Fayette County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, North Fulton County, South Forsyth County, West Cobb County