Emergency Service

By Kevin Johnson, owner and operator · Quality Septic, Inc. Published April 16, 2025

Same Day Emergency Service – Call Now

Need Septic Tank Pumping? 813-754-9891

🚨 SEPTIC EMERGENCY? DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE 🚨

📞 CALL QUALITY SEPTIC INC : 813-754-9891

Nothing ruins your day faster than a septic system backup. Toilets won’t flush, drains are slow or gurgling, and worst of all you may even spot sewage surfacing in your yard or home. If this happens, don’t panic — but don’t wait, either.

At Quality Septic, Inc., we’ve responded to thousands of septic emergencies across Plant City and Central Florida, and we know how stressful they can be. The good news? Quick action can minimize damage and help your system recover faster.

Here’s what to do step-by-step if your septic system is backing up:

1. 1

   Stop Using Water Immediately

   This is the most important step. The more water you send down your drains, the more pressure you will be putting on an already overloaded system.

   That means:

   • No flushing toilets
   • No running sinks or showers
   • No laundry or dishwashing

   Even a small amount of added water can worsen the backup or lead to flooding inside your home.

2. 2

   Call a Professional Septic Company Right Away

   This isn’t a DIY situation. You need a licensed professional to inspect, diagnose, and address the problem, and fast.

   At Quality Septic, Inc., we offer 24/7 emergency response for septic system issues throughout Plant City, Brandon, Lakeland, and the Tampa Bay area.

   When you call, we’ll:

   • Quickly assess your situation
   • Dispatch a technician to your location
   • Pump out your tank if needed
   • Inspect for drain field saturation, clogs, or mechanical failures
   • Recommend the next steps to restore your system
3. 3

   Decipher What Might Be Causing the Backup

   While a full inspection is needed to confirm the issue, here are a few common causes of septic backups in Florida:

   • Full tank – you are overdue for a pump-out
   • Clogged inlet or outlet pipe – this restricts the flow of water
   • Drain field failure or saturation especially after heavy rains
   • Flushing non-biodegradables – wipes, feminine products, grease, etc.
   • Tree root intrusion – breaking or blocking pipes underground

   Understanding the cause helps prevent it from happening again.

4. 4

   Take Safety Precautions

   If wastewater has entered your home:

   • Keep kids and pets away from affected areas
   • Avoid contact with standing water — it may contain harmful bacteria
   • Ventilate the space if possible
   • Don’t use bleach or chemical drain openers — they can damage the system further

   Wait for professional help to arrive — they’ll guide you through safe cleanup or remediation.

5. 5

   Schedule a Follow-Up Inspection

   After the emergency is under control, a full inspection is key to prevent future problems.

   We recommend checking:

   • Septic tank levels
   • Filter and baffle conditions
   • Drain field health and saturation
   • Signs of root intrusion or pipe damage

   We’ll help you create a custom maintenance plan based on your household size, water use, and system design.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

Once things are back to normal, consider taking a few proactive steps:

• Pump your septic tank every 3–5 years (or more often for larger households)
• Be mindful of what goes down your drains
• Redirect rainwater away from your drain field
• Schedule annual inspections to catch early warning signs

We’ve been helping Florida homeowners for over 30 years when it comes to septic systems, and we take pride in being the first call our community makes when trouble hits. Don’t panic the next time you need help with your septic system – call Quality Septic Inc. today at (813) 754-9891 to schedule septic service or maintenance.

Follow Quality Septic on Facebook

Our offices

Mon – Sun: 7:00am to 5:00pm

What we do about this

Not sure where your system stands?

We answer seven days a week and most questions we can settle on the phone. If it needs a look, the estimate is free.

813-754-9891 Request a free estimate