Backups happen in Blackfoot, Aberdeen, and every town we serve. Stop adding water, keep people away from sewage, and call for emergency pumping or repair. Do not climb into the tank.
Immediate safety steps
- Keep people and pets away from standing sewage. Sewage can contain harmful bacteria.
- Turn off water usage where possible — avoid running faucets, dishes, or laundry.
- Don’t attempt to handle sewage without protective gear. Call a professional.
Information to have when you call
- When the problem started and any recent changes (heavy rain, guests, blocked pipes, irrigation coming on).
- Location of tank lids and access points — or that you cannot find them.
- Any unusual noises, alarms, or smells.
- Whether the property is in town, rural Bingham County, or on the Fort Hall Reservation (jurisdiction can change the repair path).
Short-term fixes (what we do)
Technicians will often locate and open the tank, pump out solids and liquids, check baffles and outlet, and assess whether the drainfield needs repair. In emergencies we prioritize stopping the immediate backup and making a clear plan — which may be a same-day pump-out, a baffle or D-box fix, or a permitted replacement if the field has failed.
After the backup
Schedule a follow-up inspection to determine root cause. Frequent backups usually indicate a deeper problem such as a failing drainfield, structural tank damage, or unusually high wastewater loading. See signs your septic is failing. If you need the permit file once the backup is stopped, start with septic records. How the system is supposed to work is covered in how a septic tank works.