Septic repair and sewage backups in the OKC area

Septic pumping, aerobic service and repair help across Oklahoma, Cleveland and Canadian counties(405) 546-2064

Septic trouble rarely arrives politely. It shows up as a toilet that won't go down on a Sunday, a smell in the hall bathroom, or a wet, sour-smelling stripe in the yard that wasn't there last week. This page walks through what's worth checking yourself, what each symptom usually points to, and what Oklahoma expects of an owner once a system has failed.

First ten minutes

Stop putting water in. No laundry, dishwasher or showers until you know what's wrong. Every gallon has to go somewhere.
Is it one drain or the whole house? One slow sink is usually a plumbing clog in that line. Every fixture backing up at once points at the tank, the line to it, or what's past it.
Check the breaker and the plug if you have a lift station or an aerobic unit. DEQ's troubleshooting list puts a tripped breaker and an unplugged pump right next to a failed pump as alarm causes (DEQ guide).
Keep people and pets off any wet area. Surfacing sewage is a health risk, and DEQ's guide suggests fencing it off until it's repaired.

Symptom to likely cause

Symptom	Common causes
Backup into tubs or toilets	Full tank, roots or a break in the line, too much water at once, a failed pump in a lift station.
Sewage surfacing in the yard	Clogged or undersized field, blocked line, pump failure, or heavy water use.
Sewage smell inside	A dried-out floor drain trap, a blocked or capped roof vent, or a plumbing leak, as well as a backup in progress.
Smell outside only	Surfacing effluent, or sometimes a source other than your system, such as a neighbor's.
Lift station alarm	Pump failed, breaker tripped, pump unplugged, or the controls have failed. Pump tanks are set never to pass half full, so the alarm gives you some warning.

If you have sprinklers, alarms on an aerobic unit have their own list; see aerobic system service.

Ring this number and we put you through to a DEQ-licensed septic outfit that works your part of the metro. (405) 546-2064

Repairs we see asked about most

Pump-out plus baffle repair. A missing or broken outlet baffle lets scum go to the field. It's often found during a pump-out.
Line repair. Roots and crushed pipe between the house and tank, often from a vehicle crossing the yard.
Pump, float or alarm replacement in a lift station or aerobic pump tank. Rules require a union within 18 inches of the opening so the pump can come out without anyone climbing in.
Risers and secure lids. Oklahoma requires septic tank lids and manhole covers to stay secured, and newer openings use a lock or tool-only cover.
Field replacement or a new system. When the soil under the field is sealed, the fix is a new dispersal area, which counts as a modification and needs DEQ authorization. See installation.

What Oklahoma expects of the owner

Under OAC 252:641-1-4, the owner has to keep effluent from surfacing, pooling or running across the ground, keep tanks from leaking or overflowing, and act promptly to repair a malfunctioning system. Repairs and modifications are inspected by DEQ or by a certified installer before they're backfilled. Expanding or moving any part of the system needs a DEQ authorization first; the DEQ rules guide covers when.

For what the authorization and an evaluation cost in state fees, see the cost guide. Repair labor is quoted by the contractor, so ask for it in writing before work starts.

Frequently asked

Should I pour a septic additive in to fix a backup?

No. DEQ's homeowner guide says additives aren't recommended, no product replaces pumping, and some kill the bacteria the tank depends on.

Who reports a neighbor's failing septic system?

DEQ takes environmental complaints through its online form and local offices. A DEQ soil profile done as part of a complaint investigation carries no fee.

Will pumping fix a soggy drain field?

It buys time by emptying the tank, but if the soil under the trenches has sealed up, the field itself needs repair or replacement.

Talk to a septic contractor who covers your road

This line routes to independent local septic businesses, not to us doing the work. The contractor quotes and does the job. Toilets backing up or sewage in the yard? Quit using water in the house and phone now.