Drain field repair done right. Or replacement done right.
A failing drain field is the most expensive septic problem a homeowner can face. The good news: not every failing field needs full replacement. Surface ponding, slow drainage, and odor can sometimes be solved with hydro-jetting, line root cutting, baffle replacement, or new effluent filtration. We diagnose the field first — soil probe, dye test, line camera — then give you both repair and replacement numbers so you can decide.
What's included in this service?
- Drain field diagnosis: soil probe, dye test, ponding survey, hydraulic test
- Hydro-jetting of leach lines to clear biomat buildup and root intrusion
- Line camera inspection of distribution box and individual laterals
- Distribution box repair and replacement
- Partial field replacement (single failed lateral or trench section)
- Full field replacement with new perc test and county permit
- Pressure-dosed system upgrade for marginal soil conditions
- Curtain drain installation to divert surface water away from field
When do you need this service?
- Surface ponding or wet spots above the drain field
- Sewage smell in the yard above the field, especially after rain
- Slow drains throughout the house even after a recent tank pump
- Grass over the drain field is unusually lush, dark green, or smells
- Effluent breakthrough at the lowest end of the field
- Backups at the cleanout that return within weeks of pumping
- Inspector flagged drain field failure on a real-estate report
What do homeowners ask about Drain Field?
Can a failing drain field really be saved?
Sometimes. Biomat buildup, root intrusion, and partial line failure can often be reversed with jetting, line replacement, or distribution-box rebalancing. Soil exhaustion and saturated trenches usually cannot. We diagnose first and give you the honest answer — most calls end up somewhere in between, with a partial fix that buys 3-7 years.
How much does a new drain field cost in San Diego County?
Full replacement runs $8,000 to $25,000 depending on size, soil, access, and whether your site needs a pressure-dosed or alternative system. Sites that fail perc testing may require an Engineered Treatment System, which adds $5,000-$15,000. We quote with both pricing and county-approved alternatives.
What causes drain fields to fail?
Top three causes in San Diego County: missed pumping (solids hit the field), too-small system for current water use, and root intrusion from nearby trees. Less common: car traffic compressing trenches, irrigation saturation, and bleach or chemical overuse killing biology in the tank. We point to the actual cause — that drives whether replacement will hold up.
Will I need a new perc test for replacement?
Yes, in almost all cases. SD County DEH requires a current perc test for any new field installation. Costs $500-$1,500 depending on lot size and number of test holes. We coordinate the perc, the engineer, and the permit so you're not chasing three separate vendors.
Where do we offer Drain Field in San Diego County?
We provide drain field in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See drain field in all 48 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Bought our place 4 years ago and never had the tank serviced. Tank Pro showed up on the day they said, took the time to measure sludge, walked me through what they found, and set us up for a clean schedule going forward. No upsell, no panic.
Had wet patches on the lawn and three other companies tried to sell me a $20K replacement. Tank Pro diagnosed it carefully, jetted the field, retrofitted an effluent filter, and bought us 5+ years for a fraction of the price. Real diagnosis, honest call.
Old steel tank had finally rusted through. They handled the county DEH permit, picked the right concrete tank for our access, and had it installed and inspected in 5 weeks total. Crew was clean, communication was clear, no surprise charges.
Need drain field in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.