Signs a system has failed
- Sewage backing up into drains or toilets
- Soggy ground or standing water over the drain field
- Strong sewage smell in the yard
- Drains that stay slow even after pumping
- Bright green, lush patches over the field in dry weather
See signs your septic is failing.
What gets replaced
| Problem | Usual fix |
|---|---|
| Rusted or cracked tank, field OK | Tank replacement |
| Field saturated or clogged, tank OK | Drain field replacement |
| Old system undersized for the home | New system sized for the house |
| Both tank and field worn out | Complete replacement |
Replacement still needs a permit
A replacement system goes through the state permit and inspection process. Current rules may require changes from what was installed decades ago — a different field size or location, or in some cases an advanced treatment system.
In the meantime
Cut water use, avoid extra loads of laundry, and have the tank pumped if it's backing up. Call (505) 886-7941 and we'll come look.
Septic questions
Can my old drain field be fixed instead of replaced?
Sometimes, if the problem is a clog or a broken pipe. A saturated field usually needs replacement.
Will the new system go in the same spot?
Often nearby, but the location depends on soil, setbacks and the permit.
How fast can it be done?
It depends on the permit; we'll explain the timeline at the visit.