Septic Drain Field Rejuvenation
An Alternative to Drain Field Replacement
Have your sinks started draining slowly? Are you picking up sewage odors in the yard? Are you noticing sogginess or saturation in the soil over your septic system? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may also be concerned about the costs associated with fixing it. Let’s be honest, replacing a complete drain field is a significant investment. For many Indiana homeowners, a new drain field can cost $20,000 or more. There are options, however.
At Restorex Septic Solutions, we specialize in drain field rejuvenation, a proven method to restore function to failing septic systems without replacing the septic system or even tearing up your yard.
What Is Drain Field Rejuvenation?
To get a better understanding of what is actually happening, imagine your drain field is a big sponge. When it’s new, it can absorb and filter wastewater with great ease and efficiency. Over time, though, soil becomes compacted and a layer of buildup (BioMat) can form, which starts to clog the soil, preventing wastewater from being absorbed like it used to.
Further, this process also limits the amount of oxygen present, which can put the drain field in an anaerobic state. In this state, black sludge starts to accrue, making the whole situation even more problematic.
Septic drain field rejuvenation actually reverses this process, though. Rather than digging out your entire drain field, septic drain field rejuvenation restores the soil’s natural ability to absorb and filter wastewater. By loosening and breaking up compacted soil and allowing oxygen back into the process, septic drain field rejuvenation can extend the life of your septic system for years… all at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
“The drain field is like a giant soil sponge. Over years of use and compaction, that sponge gets squeezed down until it won’t accept water anymore; that’s when it backs up into the system.”
– Corbin Clow
Signs You May Need Drain Field Rejuvenation
Wondering if your system might be a candidate for septic drain field rejuvenation? Call us if you notice:
- Pooling or standing water over your drain field.
- Sewage odors outdoors.
- Lush, very green patches of grass over the septic area.
- Slowing of household drains (or even backups), especially after pumping the tank.
These are common signs of a failing drain field (leach field). In many cases, septic drain field rejuvenation may be the most affordable way forward.
How the Process Works
The Restorex rejuvenation process is designed to be effective while also being minimally invasive:
- Assessment – We begin with a professional inspection to determine whether your system would be a good candidate for rejuvenation, rather than replacement.
- Preparation – If your field has become saturated, we pump out excess water so the soil can be properly treated.
- Pneumatic Soil Fracturing – Employing our specialized EarthBuster attachment, we drive a probe into the soil and start injecting compressed air. This air injection fractures the compacted ground and creates new channels to allow water to start flowing again.
- Oxygen & Biological Support – By opening up the soil and introducing oxygen, we let beneficial bacteria and enzymes start breaking down organic material again, restoring the natural balance.
The result? Wastewater has a path to move safely through the soil again, thereby restoring system function without the need for any excavation.
EarthBuster vs. Terra Lift
If you’ve already begun the process of researching solutions, you’ve likely come across Terra Lift. Terra Lift technology has been around since the 1980s. It was actually one of the very first tools to employ pneumatic fracturing for septic systems. EarthBuster is a newer, more advanced attachment that uses the basic same principles as Terra Lift, but with the benefit of some modern improvements.
At Restorex Septic Solutions, we own and operate the EarthBuster system. In fact, many homeowners actually come to find us through our EarthBuster affiliation. They appreciate knowing we use trusted, specialized equipment and not cutting corners.
“People usually come across the name Terra Lift and they come across the name EarthBuster. Both are mechanically driven soil fracturing pieces of equipment; almost like fracking for natural gas. You’re fracking soil to bring the air pockets back into that soil sponge.”
– Corbin Clow
The Benefits of Septic Drain Field Rejuvenation
Why do so many homeowners choose rejuvenation over replacement?
- Cost Savings. The price difference is often the single biggest reason why homeowners opt for septic drain field rejuvenation. A Rejuvenation typically costs $5,000 to $8,000, whereas you are looking at $20,000+ for a complete drain field replacement.
- Minimal Yard Damage. There is no need for excavation, which minimizes any damage to your yard or landscaping.
- Fast & Convenient. Most drain field rejuvenations are completed quickly, restoring your septic function in a fraction of the time it would take for a drain field replacement.
- Eco-Friendly. It’s just better for your environment, as well. When you can revive an existing system, you extend its life and reduce waste.
For many families, rejuvenation tends to bridge the gap between a temporary quick fix and a full-scale new septic drain field installation.
Why Choose Restorex Septic Solutions for Your Drain Field Rejuvenation?
Restorex Septic Solutions is family-owned and based in Central Indiana. We bring decades of combined engineering and construction expertise to every project. Our team also makes it a priority to explain complex septic issues in simple, straightforward terms so you always understand what is happening and what your options are.
- Terry Clow brings 30 years of structural engineering and restoration experience.
- Corbin Clow, a civil engineer and National Guard officer, has spent more than a decade designing and installing septic systems alongside his father.
- Brian Granger uses his teaching background to make septic systems easy to understand for homeowners.
We’re not a national chain. We’re your neighbors. We’re here to help you save money and protect your home with trusted solutions like drain field rejuvenation. And nobody understands the soil and terrain challenges of Central Indiana better than we do.
Septic Drain Field Rejuvenation FAQs
Q: What exactly is drain field rejuvenation?
A: Drain field rejuvenation is the process of restoring a failing septic drain field without replacing it. The drain field is like a giant soil sponge. Over years of use and compaction, that sponge gets squeezed down until it won’t accept water anymore; that’s when it backs up into the system. Rejuvenation loosens the soil, reintroduces oxygen, and revives that “sponge” so wastewater can filter again.
Q: How does EarthBuster or Terra Lift rejuvenation work?
A: Both methods use pneumatic soil fracturing wherein a probe is driven into the ground and compressed air is injected to break up any compacted soil. It’s almost like fracking for natural gas. You’re fracking soil to bring the air pockets back into that soil sponge. Restorex uses the EarthBuster system, a modern and effective version of this technology.
Q: Why do septic drain fields fail in the first place?
A: When a drain field loses oxygen, it becomes anaerobic. When a drain field turns into an anaerobic condition, the aerobic microbiology dies. The organic matter begins to build up what’s called a BioMat; think of it like a black gum that clogs the soil pores. When the soil pores are clogged, the drain field no longer absorbs water or processes waste.
Q: Can every failing drain field be rejuvenated?
A: No… but most of the time, it can. Rejuvenation works best when soil compaction or BioMat buildup are the main issues. If the drain field is completely saturated or beyond repair, though, replacement may be the only remaining option. That’s why a professional inspection is critical and why it is also the first step in our process.
Call Restorex Septic Solutions for Your Septic Drain Field Rejuvenation
A failing drain field can put your home and budget at risk, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Septic drain field rejuvenation is a cost-effective, non-invasive way to restore your system to its functioning capacity and avoid the expense of full replacement. Call Restorex Septic Solutions today to schedule your inspection and find out if rejuvenation is the right solution for your home.
Call us today at (317) 576-3882 to schedule a your inspection and find out if rejuvenation is the right solution for your home.