Is it the field?
Backups can come from a full tank, a clogged filter or a broken line. We check those first. If the tank and lines are fine and the field area is wet or smelly, the field itself has likely failed.
Why fields fail
- Years of solids washing out of an unpumped tank
- Too much water for the system's size
- Vehicles driven over the field
- Tree and shrub roots
- Simple age
The replacement
- Evaluate soil in the replacement area
- Design and permit the new field
- Excavate trenches
- Install gravel or chambers and distribution
- Inspection, backfill and grading
- Pump the tank and add a filter if needed
After it's done
Keep vehicles off, pump the tank on schedule and spread out laundry loads. See caring for a new system.
Septic questions
Can the new field go in the same spot?
Sometimes; often a fresh area is used. The permit decides.
How long does it take?
Installation is usually a few days once the permit is approved.
Will my yard be torn up?
The field area is excavated and then graded; we keep the disturbance to what's needed.