“There’s a problem with your septic system,” is usually the last thing a homeowner wants to hear.
And if you are unfortunate enough to be told that, then the first question you might be asking is, “Do I need to replace the whole thing?” Fortunately, the answer isn’t always yes. Advances in septic repair technology mean many systems can now be remedied rather than replaced, saving homeowners thousands of dollars.
The key is knowing when a repair is enough and when a full replacement is the smarter long-term investment.
Understanding Septic Systems and Common Septic System Issues
A septic system collects and treats wastewater from homes that aren’t connected to a municipal sewer system. In these systems, wastewater flows into an underground septic tank, where solids settle before partially treated water moves into a drain field for further filtration.
Issues can occur in these systems, and thankfully, they often give you clues that something isn’t right. Some of the most common signs include:
- Frequent clogs or backups in the plumbing system.
- Standing water, which will look like soft, mushy grass usually accompanied by an unpleasant odour.
- Freezing of the drain field in the cold months.
- Unusual gurgling sounds in your drains when you flush the toilet or use the sink.
How to Decide Between Septic System Repair or Replacement
A lot of factors come into play when deciding whether to replace or repair a septic system, including cost, scope of the issue, and any environmental or household impacts. While a full replacement used to be the standard approach, new advanced technologies have allowed for repair options to become more readily available. However, there are some elements to consider when it comes to deciding which is the right option for your system.
The age of the system, the condition of the drain field, the materials used during installation, household water usage, and the extent of the damage all play a part in whether septic system repair or replacement is the better option.
When Is Septic System Repair the Better Choice?
There are several issues your system can run into that could require repairs instead of a whole replacement.
At BioFlow Septic Solutions, septic system repair is always considered before replacement. Modern remediation techniques can often restore drain fields, repair damaged components, and resolve localized failures without the cost of installing an entirely new system.
Repairable solutions are usually available for various parts of your system, including:
- Drain fields
- Mounds
- Sand filters
Mechanical failures such as a broken pump or faulty alarm can also usually be repaired, along with clogged lines or drain fields, and problems with the tank if no structural cracks are present.
When Septic System Replacement Is Necessary
While septic system repair is often the most cost-effective solution, septic system replacement may be necessary if the system has reached the end of its lifespan.
These issues are usually larger and indicate a fundamental problem with the way the system functions, such as:
- An aging system that is reaching the end of its life and failing to meet modern standards of practice (typically systems 25 years or older).
- Persistent well contamination that allows bacteria to constantly be present in your water.
- Structural failure of the tank such as severe cracks.
- Adding capacity to your household, such as extra bedrooms or another suite. This could lead to your system no longer being capable of handling the additional usage and water loads.
Deciding Between Septic System Replacement or Repair
Sometimes a replacement is unavoidable, but all avenues can be explored for repair before that decision is made.
Before recommending septic system repair or replacement, technicians perform a comprehensive inspection using specialized equipment and camera technology. This allows them to evaluate every part of the system, including the septic tank, drain field, pipes, mounds, and sand filters, to identify the true cause of the problem rather than guessing.
The sooner a septic problem is diagnosed, the more repair options are usually available. Whether your system needs a simple repair or a complete replacement, BioFlow Septic Solutions will provide an honest assessment and recommend the most practical, cost-effective solution for your property. Contact our team today to schedule a professional septic inspection.
