FOR WHEN you need us most

Call now for 24/7 Emergency Septic Repair

Manthei Septic Tank Service is proud to provide emergency septic repair 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for both commercial and residential properties in and around Rochester, Minnesota.

Septic truck performing an emergency septic repair on a commercial property

Emergency Call

(507-951-1691)

HERE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Fast & Reliable Emergency Septic Service in Rochester, MN

Manthei Septic Tank Service provides expert and timely emergency septic repair across Southeast Minnesota, including communities in and around Rochester, MN. Our team knows how frustrating and stressful it can be to deal with a faulty septic system, which is why our crew is on standby 24/7 for when the unexpected hits. Whether you’re facing leaks, backups, foul odors, or pooling water, you can count on us for professional, prompt, and effective service.

In addition to fast repairs, we offer thorough diagnostic inspections to identify the root of the problem and prevent future issues. Our experienced technicians work quickly to assess your system and recommend the best long-term solution so you can get back to life as normal.

areas in Southeast Minnesota

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Signs of a Failing or Malfunctioning Septic System

It’s important to stay cognizant of your septic system’s condition so you can identify potential issues early before they result in expensive, long-term damage. Here are some of the most common signs of a failing or malfunctioning septic:

If your sinks, tubs, and/or toilets are draining sluggishly or making a strained gurgling noise, this can be a sign of something bigger going on. Slow drains are most commonly caused by a clog or a full tank that is overdue for a routine pumping.

If your drains seem to be working normally but you hear gurgling or see bubbling water, it may be a warning sign of pressure buildup or a developing blockage in your septic system. This often means wastewater isn’t venting or flowing properly, and it’s worth investigating before a full backup occurs.

If water is pooling near your drain field even when it hasn’t rained heavily, it’s important to act quickly before sewage makes its way to the surface. Standing water in your yard can be caused by a clogged or failing septic system, a soaked drain field, or broken pipes

A septic tank overflow happens when the tank is full or blocked, causing untreated sewage to back up into your home or yard. This type of septic system failure poses serious health risks and should be addressed by a professional septic service immediately.

Are you seeing a major spike in your water bill despite not making any changes to your monthly usage? This could be caused by a faulty or damaged system. When malfunctions happen, like a cracked pipe or ineffective pump, water flow increases and becomes inefficient.

Mold or mildew growth near inside plumbing features may be the result of excess moisture from a septic backup or leak.

Foul odors coming from inside or outside can signal septic system issues such as leaks, blockages, or tank overflows.

The constant sound of rushing water inside your home or business – even when no taps or toilets are running – is a red flag that you may have a leak, waterlogged drain field, or a faulty pump. Contact us immediately so we can inspect and identify the source of the noise.


Not sure what’s going on with your system? Count on us for immediate inspection, repair, and peace of mind.

Emergency septic repair example, showing a drain field covered in a puddle of water

Available Emergency Septic Services

Below you’ll find the variety of emergency septic services we offer, designed to get you system back and running the way it should. If you need an emergency repair, contact us today at 507-951-1691.

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Overflow Response

Emergency overflow response involves quickly addressing septic tank overflows to avoid sewage backup and minimize health hazards.

Blockage Removal

Septic blockage removal is the process of clearing clogs in your septic tank to restore proper wastewater flow.

Emergency Pumping & Flushing

Emergency pumping and flushing removes excess waste from your septic system to restore normal function.

Repairs

Emergency repair provides immediate fixes to septic system failures to prevent further damage.

Urgent Inspections

Emergency diagnostic inspections quickly identify the cause of septic system problems to enable fast and effective solutions.

Emergency Drain Cleaning

Emergency cleaning removes lingering sludge and debris from your septic system to restore proper function and prevent future backups.

Septic Emergency FAQs

A septic emergency includes sewage backups into your home, strong sewage odors, gurgling drains, pooling water around your tank or drain field, or your septic alarm going off. These signs indicate your system may be failing and needs immediate attention.

Avoid using running water to prevent further damage to your system. This means limiting flushing, showering, and sink use, as excess water can overwhelm your septic tank and potentially cause sewage backups or flooding.

In most cases, no, you don’t need to vacate your home unless there’s a severe sewage backup, strong methane gas odor, or health risk from exposure to wastewater. If the issue is contained (like a slow drain or outdoor pooling), you can usually stay home while we work. If your health or safety is at risk, we’ll advise you immediately.

Consistent maintenance is the best way to prevent a septic emergency from catching you off guard. Routine pumping and cleaning every 3–5 years keeps your tank functioning efficiently, while annual inspections help catch and treat minor issues before they grow worse.

It’s also vital that you avoid flushing wipes (even if labeled “flushable”), grease, feminine products, harsh chemicals, or excessive food waste. These items can clog and put strain on your system, increasing the risk of failure.

It depends on your policy. Septic backups caused by sudden events may be covered, especially if you have a sewage backup rider. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

We respond to all emergency calls as quickly as possible. Exact response time will depend on the severity of the issue — give us a call so we can discuss what’s going on and prioritize your situation.

We will complete a permanent repair at the emergency visit whenever possible! In some situations, it may be necessary to perform an initial temporary repair to stabilize your system before following up with a full repair.
Drain field flooding around septic tank

What to Do While You Wait for Septic Repair

The first step toward resolving a septic emergency is contacting experienced, qualified technicians. Once you’ve requested emergency service, take the following steps to protect your family, limit further damage, and help us address the issue more efficiently.

Stop Using Water ASAP

Avoid using running water to prevent further damage to your system. This means limiting flushing, showering, and sink use, as excess water can overwhelm your septic tank and cause sewage backups or flooding.

 

Write Down Red Flags

Take a moment to reflect on the recent condition of your septic and plumbing systems. Make note of any red flags like slow drains, gurgling toilets, or funky odors—and when you first noticed them. Details like these give our team helpful context and allow us to diagnose the issue as efficiently as possible.

Stay Away from Wastewater

When a septic emergency occurs, wastewater can back up into your home, pool in your drain field, or even flood your basement.

Wastewater carries harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can cause serious illness, such as infections, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal illness. If you notice any sewage backup or pooling water, steer clear and keep children and pets away.

Disable Septic Alarm

Many modern-day septic systems have alarm systems to notify you when something has gone awry, such as high water levels in your tank or complete pump failure. These alarms are typically loud and high-pitched, and may be accompanied by a flashing light inside or outside your home.

To disable it, locate the alarm panel (usually near your septic tank, basement, or utility area) and press the “silence” or “reset” button. This will stop the noise, but the issue still needs to be addressed by a septic professional.