Septic backing up? Check these first

1. Stop putting water down the drains. No laundry, dishwasher, or showers until you know what's going on.
2. Is it one drain or the whole house? One slow sink is usually a plumbing clog. Every drain slow, or the lowest drain (a basement floor drain or first-floor shower) backing up, points to the main line or the septic system.
3. Check the alarm. If you have an aerobic unit or pump tank, look at the alarm panel and check that the breaker is on.
4. Remember the last pump-out. If it's been more than a few years — or you don't know — a full tank is a likely cause.
5. Look at the yard. Wet spots or smell over the tank or field tell the tech a lot.

Never go into a septic tank or lean over an open one — the gases can kill. Leave lids closed and wait for the pro.

What to tell the septic pro

• When it started and which drains are affected.
• Conventional tank or aerobic system, and whether any alarm is on.
• When the tank was last pumped, and where the lids are if you know.