1. Stop adding wastewater
Hold off on flushing toilets, showering and running the washing machine or dishwasher. Turn off running taps. More water can add to the backup while you wait for help.
2. Keep the affected area clear
Keep children, pets and other people away from sewage or suspected wastewater. Close off an affected room if you can do so without entering the spill. Avoid tracking wastewater through the house.
3. Leave tank lids and equipment alone
Do not open the tank, reach inside or attempt to enter it. Leave inspection and pump-out work to a contractor with the equipment for the job. Do not attempt to repair powered equipment around wastewater.
4. Do not add drain chemicals
Pouring cleaner into a backed-up drain will not tell you what caused the problem. Leave it alone until the system has been assessed, and tell the contractor if you have already added a product.
5. Make a note of the symptoms
Tell us which drain backed up first, when it started, whether several fixtures are affected and if there are wet patches or smells outside. Mention any recent heavy rain, alarms or problems with a pump. Check the last service date if you can find it easily.
6. Call and explain the access
STC Tank Cleaners is open 24/7 with same-day emergency service. Call 0434 048 887 and give us your suburb, symptoms and access details. Tell us about locked gates, narrow driveways or anything that could affect getting equipment to the tank.
A backup can involve a blockage, built-up waste, a pump problem or the disposal area. We need to establish the cause before deciding what work is needed. See our septic cleaning service or liftwell and pumping station cleaning for the relevant system.
After the immediate problem
Ask what caused the backup and what follow-up work or maintenance is needed. Keep those notes with your service records. Our care guide covers everyday habits, and the pump-out guide can help you plan future cleaning.