Septic Pump Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide for Texas Homeowners

Septic pump failure most often traces to a tripped breaker, stuck float switch, or clogged impeller. Check your electrical panel first. If the breaker isn't tripped, call a licensed septic professional, as most pump repairs involve electrical or confined-space work that's unsafe for homeowners.

A failed septic pump means wastewater isn't moving through your system. In aerobic systems (common across Texas), you've got multiple pumps that can fail: the aerator pump that feeds oxygen to bacteria, and the effluent pump that pushes treated water to your spray heads. Either one going down creates problems fast.

This guide covers what you can safely check yourself, what needs a professional, and what repairs typically cost in Texas.

What Does a Septic Pump Actually Do?

Your septic system may have one, two, or three pumps depending on the type. Aerobic systems have an aerator pump and an effluent pump. Some conventional systems also use an effluent pump to move water to the drain field.

Here's what each pump does:

Pump Type	What It Does	Where It's Located	Found In
Aerator pump	Blows oxygen into the treatment tank so bacteria can break down waste	Mounted on or near the aeration chamber	Aerobic systems only
Effluent pump	Moves treated wastewater to spray heads or drain field	Inside the pump tank (last chamber)	Aerobic and some conventional
Grinder pump	Grinds solids and pumps raw sewage uphill to a septic tank	Near the house	Homes below tank elevation

In Texas, aerobic systems are required in areas with poor soil drainage, high clay content, or limited lot space. TCEQ mandates maintenance contracts for these systems, with inspections every 4 months. If your aerator pump dies and goes unnoticed, the system reverts to less effective anaerobic treatment within about 2 weeks, producing poorly treated effluent.

5 Common Causes of Septic Pump Failure

The most frequent causes are electrical problems, float switch failure, motor burnout, clogged impellers, and control panel malfunctions.

1. Power issues (most common, easiest to fix)

A tripped breaker or blown fuse is the first thing to check. Power surges during Texas thunderstorms trip breakers regularly. Some systems have a dedicated breaker or a GFI outlet that can trip independently.

2. Float switch failure

Float switches tell the pump when to turn on and off based on water level. They stick, corrode, or get tangled in debris. When the float fails, the pump either runs continuously (burning out the motor) or never activates (letting the tank overflow).

3. Burned-out motor

Pump motors wear out over time, typically after 7 to 15 years. They fail faster when they're forced to run constantly (stuck float switch), run dry (low water level), or operate through repeated power surges without surge protection.

4. Clogged impeller

The impeller is the spinning component that moves water. Solids, grease, or debris can jam it. This is more common in systems that aren't pumped regularly, since excess solids make their way to the pump tank.

5. Control panel problems

The control panel manages pump cycles and triggers alarms. Corroded connections, failed relays, or damaged circuit boards stop the pump from receiving its start signal. Insects and moisture inside outdoor panels cause problems in humid Texas climates.

What You Can Safely Check Yourself

Homeowners can safely check power, silence the alarm, and reduce water usage. Don't open the tank, touch wiring, or attempt pump repairs yourself.

Here's a safe troubleshooting checklist:

Check power first:

• Look at your electrical panel. Is the breaker for the septic system tripped? Reset it once. If it trips again immediately, stop and call a pro. That indicates a short.
• Check the GFI outlet if your system uses one. Press the reset button.
• Verify the system is plugged in. Sounds basic, but landscapers and storms sometimes disconnect things.

Check the alarm:

• If your alarm is going off, it means the water level in your pump tank is higher than normal. This doesn't always mean the pump is broken. Sometimes heavy water use temporarily overwhelms the system.
• Silence the alarm (most have a silence button or switch) and wait 6-8 hours while minimizing water use. If the alarm comes back on, the pump needs professional attention.

Reduce water use immediately:

• Stop running laundry, dishwashers, and long showers.
• Fix any running toilets or dripping faucets.
• This buys time while the pump situation gets diagnosed.

Check for obvious issues:

• Walk the yard near the pump tank. Is there standing water or sewage smell?
• Look at the spray heads (aerobic systems). Are they working? No spray means the effluent pump isn't running.
• Listen near the aerator. You should hear a hum or buzzing. Silence means the aerator pump has stopped.

What Needs a Professional

Any work involving the pump itself, electrical connections, float switches, or opening the tank requires a licensed septic professional. Septic tanks contain toxic gases that can be lethal.

Never enter or reach into a septic tank. Hydrogen sulfide gas accumulates in enclosed tanks and has killed homeowners who tried DIY repairs.

A professional will:

• Test the float switches with a multimeter
• Check motor continuity and amperage draw
• Inspect the impeller for clogs or damage
• Test the control panel relays and connections
• Camera-inspect lines if a blockage is suspected
• Replace failed components or the entire pump

In Texas, aerobic system maintenance providers are licensed through TCEQ. If you have a maintenance contract (required by law for aerobic systems), call your contract provider first. They're already familiar with your system.

How Much Do Septic Pump Repairs Cost in Texas?

Pump repairs typically run $500 to $1,500 in Texas. Full pump replacement costs $1,000 to $3,000 for the pump itself, plus labor. Emergency service adds $100 to $300 to the bill.

Service	Texas Cost Range	Notes
Service call / diagnosis	$100 - $250	Many providers credit this toward repair
Float switch replacement	$150 - $400	Parts plus labor
Control panel repair	$200 - $600	Relay or board replacement
Impeller cleaning/replacement	$200 - $500	May require pulling the pump
Effluent pump replacement	$1,000 - $2,500	Pump plus installation
Aerator pump replacement	$500 - $1,500	Simpler to access than effluent pumps
Grinder pump replacement	$1,500 - $3,000+	More complex installation
Emergency service surcharge	$100 - $300	After-hours or weekend calls

If your pump is over 10 years old and needs a major repair, replacement often makes more financial sense. A new pump with proper installation should last another 7 to 15 years.

Aerobic system owners: Your maintenance contract may cover some pump repairs or at least the diagnostic visit. Check your contract terms before paying out of pocket.

How to Prevent Pump Failures

Regular maintenance, surge protection, and keeping solids out of the pump tank are the three most effective prevention steps.

• Install a surge protector on your septic system's electrical supply. Texas thunderstorms cause power surges that fry pump motors. A whole-house or dedicated surge protector costs $150 to $300 and can save you a $2,000 pump replacement.
• Keep your pumping schedule. Solids that overflow from an unpumped tank reach the pump chamber and clog the impeller or jam the float switch.
• Stay on your aerobic maintenance contract. Your provider checks pump function every 4 months per TCEQ requirements. Problems caught during routine inspections cost far less to fix.
• Listen for changes. If your aerator sounds different (louder, quieter, or cycling oddly), note it. Changes in pump sounds often precede failure by weeks.
• Don't ignore the alarm. The alarm exists to warn you before overflow. Silencing it and forgetting about it turns a $300 fix into a $3,000 emergency.

When to Call a Professional

Call right away if:

• Your alarm is going off and doesn't clear after 6-8 hours of reduced water use
• Sewage is backing up into your home
• You see sewage or gray water pooling in your yard
• Your spray heads haven't activated in over a day
• You smell strong sewage odors near the tank area
• The breaker trips repeatedly after resetting

Need septic pump service in Texas? Get free quotes from licensed Texas septic professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do septic pumps last?

Most septic pumps last 7 to 15 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and whether the system has surge protection. Effluent pumps in high-use households may need replacement closer to the 7-year mark. Aerator pumps typically last 8 to 12 years. Running a pump dry or through repeated power surges shortens its life significantly.

Why does my septic alarm keep going off?

The alarm triggers when water in the pump tank rises above normal levels. The most common causes are a failed pump, stuck float switch, tripped breaker, or unusually heavy water usage (like hosting guests). Reduce water use and check your breaker first. If the alarm returns within 6-8 hours, the pump or float needs professional attention.

Can I replace a septic pump myself?

It's not recommended. Septic pump replacement involves working near confined spaces with toxic gases, handling electrical connections in wet environments, and properly sizing and installing the replacement. In Texas, work on aerobic systems must be done by TCEQ-licensed professionals. Even for conventional systems, the safety risks outweigh the savings.

What's the difference between the aerator pump and the effluent pump?

The aerator pump blows air into the treatment chamber to keep bacteria alive. The effluent pump moves treated water out to your spray heads or drain field. They're different components in different locations. The aerator is usually mounted externally and is easier to access. The effluent pump sits submerged inside the pump tank and is harder to reach. Both can fail independently.

Does my septic maintenance contract cover pump replacement?

It depends on the contract. Most standard TCEQ-required maintenance contracts cover inspections, minor adjustments, and chlorine tablet replacement, but not major component replacement like pumps. Some providers offer extended coverage plans that include parts. Read your contract or call your provider to check before a pump fails, so you're not surprised by costs during an emergency.

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Last updated: February 4, 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, TCEQ regulatory research