A septic backup is one of those problems that goes from "huh, the drain's slow" to "do not flush anything" in a hurry. Out on an acreage you can't just call the city, so a little knowing-what-to-do keeps a bad morning from turning into a ruined floor. Here's a calm checklist for when things go sideways, and how to be ready before the truck pulls in.
First, stop making it worse
The moment you suspect a backup, the goal is to stop adding water and waste to a system that can't take it.
- Stop all water use. No flushing, no laundry, no dishwasher, no long showers. Every litre you send down has nowhere to go.
- Keep people and pets away from any sewage that's surfaced, inside or out. It's a health hazard, not just a mess.
- Don't pour chemicals or drain cleaner down hoping to fix it. On a septic system that does more harm than good.
Then, make the call
Phone the office and describe exactly what's happening: where it's backing up, any smells, whether it's the whole house or one drain, and when you last had the tank pumped. The more the crew knows, the better prepared they arrive. For urgent situations, calling is faster than a form. The office will confirm availability, timing, and pricing.
While you wait, get ready
A few minutes of prep makes the visit faster and cheaper:
- Find and clear access to your tank and lids. Move vehicles, clear snow, and make sure the truck can get close.
- Know your system. Septic tank with a field, or a holding tank? Roughly when was it last pumped? Jot it down.
- Protect what you can. If sewage is surfacing inside, move rugs, furniture, and anything valuable out of the way.
- Note the warning signs you saw leading up to this (slow drains, gurgling, odours). They help the crew pinpoint the issue.
What probably caused it
Most rural septic emergencies trace back to one of a few things: a tank that was overdue for pumping, a frozen line in winter, a field that's saturated or failing, or something flushed that shouldn't have been. The crew will sort out which, but knowing the usual suspects helps you avoid a repeat.
How to not be here again
The best septic emergency is the one that never happens. Pump on a schedule instead of waiting for trouble, go easy on water during peak times, keep wipes and grease out of the system, and book your pump-out in fall before the ground freezes. A holding tank especially needs a standing schedule so it never overflows.
We respond across the counties
Standstone has handled septic problems across Lac Ste. Anne, Parkland, and Sturgeon counties since 1991. If something's backing up, call the office, tell us what's going on, and we'll confirm the right service and timing.
Request septic service or call 780-967-2118.