Emergency Septic Service Columbia TN | A-OK Septic & Excavation

🚨 Active Septic Emergency?

Stop using water in your home immediately. Don't flush, don't run the dishwasher, don't do laundry. Then call us at (931) 334-5580 — we'll walk you through next steps and get someone out fast.

24/7 Emergency Septic Service in Middle Tennessee

A septic emergency is one of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner. Raw sewage backing up into your home, pooling in your yard, or overflowing — it's a health hazard, a property damage risk, and a deeply stressful situation.

A-OK Septic & Excavation provides 24/7 emergency response across Middle Tennessee. We answer the phone. We show up. We fix it.

What Counts as a Septic Emergency

Sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, or tubs
Raw sewage surfacing in the yard
Complete drain failure — nothing draining in the home
Strong sewage odors inside the home
Tank overflow or visible sewage pooling at the tank lid
Alarm triggered on an aerobic or pump system

If you're not sure whether your situation is an emergency — call anyway. We'd rather you check with us than wait and make things worse.

What Happens When You Call

When you call A-OK for an emergency, here's what happens:

A real person answers — not a voicemail, not an answering service
We ask you a few quick questions to understand the situation
We give you immediate guidance on what to do (and not do) while we're on the way
We dispatch as fast as possible — response times vary by location and time, but we move with urgency
We diagnose, stabilize, and give you a clear plan before we leave

What to Do While You Wait

Stop using water — every gallon you add makes the backup worse
Keep people away from any sewage on the ground — it's a health hazard
Don't use chemical drain openers — they won't help and can damage the system
Keep kids and pets indoors if sewage is surfacing in the yard
Document with photos if you have time — helpful for any insurance claims

Emergency Pricing

Emergency calls do carry after-hours rates — we'll always tell you what to expect before we start work. There are no hidden charges. We don't take advantage of people in a crisis, and we won't start with you.

Serving All of Middle Tennessee — Any Hour

We respond to septic emergencies throughout Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, Lewisburg, Pulaski, Lawrenceburg, Shelbyville, Chapel Hill, Mount Pleasant, Fayetteville, and surrounding communities. Call us at (931) 334-5580 any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will someone actually answer at 2am?

Yes. We don't use an answering service for emergencies. Call (931) 334-5580 and someone will pick up.

How fast can you get here?

Response time depends on your location and what we have going on — we'll give you an honest ETA when you call. We move as fast as safely possible.

Is my sewage backup a health risk?

Yes. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens. Keep people and pets away from any exposed sewage and wash your hands thoroughly if you've had any contact.

Will homeowners insurance cover a septic emergency?

It depends on your policy. Some policies cover sudden backups; most don't cover gradual failures. Document everything with photos and call your insurance company after the immediate situation is stabilized.

What if the problem is bigger than a pump-out?

We'll tell you exactly what we find and what your options are. If it needs more extensive repair, we'll schedule that as soon as possible and help you understand the urgency level.

Helpful Consumer Resources

If you're dealing with a septic emergency, these resources explain the health risks, what steps to take, and why acting fast protects your family and your property:

CDC — Health Risks of Septic Failures
Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The CDC explains the real health risks when a septic system backs up or overflows — and why keeping people away from exposed sewage is critical.
EPA — What to Do If Your System Fails
The EPA walks through what constitutes a system failure, what immediate steps homeowners should take, and what the repair process looks like — helpful context for navigating an emergency.
Tennessee TDEC — Reporting a Failing Septic System
In Tennessee, a visibly failing septic system that's surfacing sewage may need to be reported to the county health department. TDEC's page explains your obligations and how the state responds to complaints.
EPA — What Not to Flush (Preventing Future Emergencies)
Once your emergency is resolved, this is the single most important page to read. Most septic emergencies are caused by things people flush or pour down drains. Understanding what to avoid prevents the next one.

24/7 EmergencySeptic Service