Will My Septic System Work Without Power?

It’s April in Ohio which means heavy winds, rain storms and power outages. If you have a pump septic system you may be asking how the septic system works without power. Will you be able to flush the toilet if the power is out? Can you do laundry or take showers? We use this post to provide an explanation about what’s happening to your septic system when the power is out and why you want to be strategic about your water use during a power outage.

Will My Septic System Still Work When My Power is Out.?

Yes. Your septic system will work without power but if your power fails it is important to be water wise. Pump septic systems do need electricity to move effluent (liquid sewage) from the septic tank into the drainfield.

If you have a septic system with a pump, your system relies on electricity to pump the wastewater into the drainfield, so how does it still work without power? Simple. All the liquid sewage you flush into the septic, as well as the other water you use, is held in the pump tank until the power returns and the pump moves the effluent into the drainfield.

How Much Water Can You Use When the Power Is Out?

If you have a septic system, during a power outage you want to be smart about how much you flush, how much you shower and overall water use. A typical pump tank will have 300 – 500 gallons of extra space available to be used for pump failures or power outages. With that being the case, it is important to judge how long you think the power will be out to determine how to conserve. When the pump tank is full, you will be backed-up until the power comes back. The objective is not to fill the pump tank so that you can still flush the toilet without power.

How Long Will the Power Outage Last?

When determining how much to flush, shower and use water for dishes and laundry you first want to think about how long the power will be out. For example, if it’s a big storm and there are wide-spread power outages, then it will likely take longer to restore power. Superstorm Sandy of 2012 had many areas without power for three days or more. In a case like that, it’s wise to limit showers, avoid doing laundry and be very strategic about your water use by following these tips:

Take short showers
Don’t wash laundry
Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth
Keep your toilet flushes for solids
Don’t let the water run when washing dishes
- fill one sink with water to soak dirty dishes when necessary.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Erie, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping, so we take up as little of your time as possible. We take our time to ensure your septic tank looks good and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

    
 
 
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   Albert Shannon 
 August 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Came through when needed
  
 
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   Donna Eisenhardt 
 August 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joe , from Double Flush , was here early.  He completed the septic cleaning , cleaned up carefully, and was very professional!  I felt the price was very reasonable!  We will definitely use their services again!
  
 
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   Japclev 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doubleflush came out twice to pump.   My socks in tank needed replaced.  They recommended ASI who completely ruined my system when they cleaned the socks. Then double flush recommend wires from septic be brought above ground and recommended a electrician who completely screwed the electrical with the septic. I feel that once I ripped ASI on review- double flush was purposely causing issues. Never using again.
  
 
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   charles McKee 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had tank pumped and cleaned by double flush. Excellent service and very friendly people. I definitely recommend them and will use them in the future
  
 
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   Darlene Toth 
 August 10, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just moved to the house with septic system. Employee took time to explain several of our questions. Highly recommend!!
  
 
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   Roger Schulte 
 August 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. On time prompt and very friendly
  
 
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   Itchymoche2 
 August 6, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast affordable service.
  
 
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   itchymoche 
 August 6, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast service at an affordable price. Highly recommended.
  
 
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   Andrew Szczepanik 
 August 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott was timely and extremely professional and personable. Our home was having backflow issues so we needed a flush quickly and Double Flush was able to accommodate. Scott followed up with us afterwards, explained the work that he did, and made sure we didn’t have any other questions. Price was reasonable as well. Highly recommend this company.
  
 
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   Kate Postlethwait 
 August 3, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blown away by the professionalism and quality of work they provide.  In a tight spot you can rely on these guys to get the job done