We work from the house outward: tank, outlet, distribution box, then the field. That way you pay to repair the part that is broken and not the part that is easiest to dig up.
Signs you may need this
- Grass over the field is much greener or wetter than the rest of the yard
- Standing water or soft ground over the drain field
- Sewage backing up into floor drains or the lowest fixtures
- Gurgling pipes and slow drains throughout the house
- Odour in the yard that was not there before
What to discuss in the service scope
- Trace the system from the building sewer to the field and find where it stops flowing
- Check tank outlet, baffles and effluent filter
- Open and level the distribution box, and clear or replace damaged lines
- Repair or replace damaged pipe, fittings and lids
- Tell you plainly if the field itself has failed and what the options are
Safety first. Keep people and pets off any area where sewage is surfacing, and do not water a wet field to 'flush' it. Reduce water use until the cause is found.
What affects the quote?
- Whether the fault is in a pipe, baffle, distribution box, pump or field
- Locating, camera inspection and excavation needed to establish the cause
- Replacement parts, access and the agreed reinstatement scope
Ask for the scope and any additional work to be explained before booking. We do not quote a fixed price from a symptom alone.
Before you book
- When symptoms began and what changed in the household
- Any alarm history, previous repairs or system drawings
- Keep people, pets and vehicles away from affected ground
What to know in BC
Some repairs are minor and some are alterations that must be done by an Authorized Person and filed with the health authority. A broken D-box lid or a replaced float switch is a different job from replacing part of a drain field. We tell you which kind of job yours is before work begins.
Common questions
Is a soggy field always a failed drain field?
No. A broken pipe, a tilted D-box or a tank that needs pumping can overload one section of the field. Finding the cause first often saves the cost of a field replacement.
Can a drain field be repaired?
Sometimes. If lines are damaged or one trench is overloaded, repair can work. If the soil has lost its ability to absorb across the whole field, replacement in a suitable area is usually the lasting fix.
Will insurance cover it?
Many home policies exclude wear and age related septic failures. Check your policy and keep our written findings for any claim.
What affects the cost of this service?
The quote depends on whether the fault is in a pipe, baffle, distribution box, pump or field, as well as access and the agreed work. Ask what is included before booking; a symptom alone is not enough to set a reliable price.