Septic Systems in Rural Lancaster County: Pumping and Warning Signs

What are the 5 signs of a septic tank backing up?

The 5 signs of a septic tank backing up are listed below.

• Drains run slow throughout the house.
• Toilets gurgle or back up.
• Sewage odor rises near the tank.
• Wet, green grass grows over the drain field.
• Sewage appears in the lowest drains.

Is a septic tank backing up an emergency?

Yes, a septic tank backing up is an emergency once sewage reaches the house.

What should you do first when the septic system backs up?

The 4 things you should do first when the septic system backs up are listed below.

1. Stop all water use in the house.
2. Keep people and pets away from wet areas over the tank.
3. Find the date of the last pumping.
4. Call for septic pumping.

When should you call a plumber?

You should call a plumber in the 4 situations below.

• Sewage backs up into the house.
• The last pumping was more than 3 years ago.
• The drain field stays wet.
• Odors rise near the tank.

Related plumbing problems and next steps

How much does the plumbing repair cost?

The plumbing repair cost depends on the problem: septic tank pumping costs $291–$561, according to HomeAdvisor, and a tank needs pumping every 3 to 5 years. Septic tank pumping prices and local plumbers are on the septic tank pumping in Lancaster page.

What is a related plumbing problem?

A related plumbing problem is sewer smell in basement, and the sewer smell in basement guide lists its causes and first steps.

Written and fact-checked by the Lancaster PA Plumbers editorial team using HomeAdvisor, EPA WaterSense and City of Lancaster data. Last updated October 29, 2026.