Soggy yard, slow drains, or sewage smell outside? Your drain field may be failing. We diagnose and repair drain field problems before they turn into full replacements.
Call Now — (931) 334-5580The drain field (also called a leach field) is the final stage of your septic system — the underground network of perforated pipes that allows treated wastewater to slowly absorb into the soil. When it fails, your entire septic system backs up, and you've got a serious problem on your hands.
A-OK Septic & Excavation diagnoses and repairs drain field problems across Middle Tennessee. We figure out exactly what's causing the issue and give you honest options — repair when possible, replace only when necessary.
Don't wait on these. A drain field showing early symptoms can often be repaired. Once it's fully saturated or biologically clogged, repair options narrow significantly.
We start with a diagnosis before recommending any repairs. That means inspecting the tank, checking distribution, and evaluating the drain field condition. From there, repair options may include:
We'll give you the honest picture and let you decide. No pressure, no upselling.
It depends on the cause and extent of failure. Early-stage failures from clogs or root intrusion are often repairable. Severely saturated or biologically failed fields usually need replacement. We'll tell you which applies to your situation.
Minor repairs (jetting, pipe replacement) can run a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Full replacement is a larger project. We give you an accurate quote after inspecting the system — no guesswork pricing.
Pump your tank on schedule, don't drive over the field, avoid planting trees near it, and reduce water usage during wet seasons. Small habits prevent big problems.
Simple repairs can be done in a day. More extensive work or full replacement may take 2–3 days. We'll give you a timeline before we start.
Yes. Sewage surfacing above ground or backing into the home is a serious health and environmental hazard. If you're seeing this, call us immediately — we offer emergency service.
Most drain field failures are preventable. These resources explain the warning signs, what causes failure, and what every homeowner should avoid to protect their system:
The EPA outlines the most common ways homeowners accidentally damage their drain fields — including driving over them, planting trees nearby, and overloading with water. Simple habits that prevent expensive failures.
Flushing the wrong things is one of the top causes of drain field failure. Wipes (even "flushable" ones), grease, and harsh chemicals destroy the bacteria your system relies on to function.
When a drain field fails and sewage surfaces, it's not just a property problem — it's a public health hazard. The CDC explains the risks and why prompt action matters.
Tennessee regulations require that failing septic systems be repaired or replaced in a timely manner. This page explains your legal obligations as a property owner when a system fails.
The sooner we look at it, the more options you have. Don't let a small problem become a full replacement.