Septic System Replacement
Professional septic system replacement for residential and commercial properties across the Lakes Region
5 Highlights on Septic System Replacement
- Full tank and drain field removal — Our crews excavate deteriorated septic tanks, corroded distribution boxes, and failing leach fields, then haul all septage and debris off site using our vacuum truck fleet.
- Engineered system design — Every septic system replacement starts with a current perc test and soil test so our environmental engineer can size the new tank, absorption trenches, and lateral lines to match your property’s percolation rate and daily wastewater load.
- Code compliant permitting — We file all permit applications with the local health department and schedule required inspections, so your new on site system meets current building code and setback requirements from day one.
- Quality materials and components — We install precast concrete and fiberglass tanks, Infiltrator gravelless chambers, geotextile fabric, and certified PVC pipe rated for subsurface wastewater service.
- Minimal property disruption — Our operators grade and backfill each excavation site with clean aggregate and approved backfill material, then restore the surface so your yard recovers quickly after the replacement is complete.
Why Choose Our Septic System Replacement
Septic system replacement is a major investment in your property’s sanitation infrastructure. Lakes Region Septic has completed hundreds of residential and commercial replacements across the region, and our licensed septic contractors bring decades of field experience to every job.
We own our equipment. Our backhoes, excavators, and pump trucks stay on our lot, which means we don’t wait on rental availability to start your project. That keeps your timeline short and your costs predictable.
Every replacement we perform carries a written workmanship guarantee. We stand behind our installations because we control the process from the initial soil test through final health department inspection. Our crews don’t cut corners on aggregate depth, pipe grade, or tank bedding.
We’re certified to install conventional gravity fed systems, pressurized mound systems, advanced treatment units, and alternative sand filter configurations. That range of qualifications matters when your site has a high water table, tight setbacks, or saturated soils that rule out a standard leach field.
Pricing is transparent. We provide a detailed, line item estimate that covers excavation, materials, labor, permit fees, and site restoration. No surprise charges show up after the backhoe arrives. Lakes Region Septic is the trusted, top rated choice for septic system replacement because we treat your property like our own.
Signs You Need Septic System Replacement
Septic system replacement becomes necessary when repairs can no longer restore safe, reliable wastewater treatment. Here are five signs your current system has reached the end of its service life.
Persistent sewage surfacing in the yard. When effluent pools above your drain field or saturates the soil near your tank, the subsurface absorption trenches have likely failed. A biomat layer can seal the gravel bed so completely that no amount of resting or aeration will restore adequate percolation. Surfacing sewage is a health hazard and a clear indicator that the entire leach field needs replacement.
Recurring backups into the house. A single clogged drainpipe is a repair. Repeated backups after pumping, jetting, and snaking point to a structural problem — a collapsed baffle, a cracked divider wall, or a deteriorated outlet pipe that allows solids to migrate into the distribution box and plug the lateral lines.
Tank structural failure. Concrete tanks corrode over decades. Corroded lids, cracked compartments, and compromised inlet fittings let groundwater infiltrate the tank, which overwhelms the drain field with excess volume. A structurally failing tank can’t be patched back to code compliance.
Non compliant system flagged during inspection. Property sales, additions, and change of use permits trigger inspections. If the health department finds your system undersized, improperly sited, or missing required components like an effluent filter or riser, a full septic system replacement may be the only path to certification.
Age beyond expected lifespan. Most conventional septic systems last 25 to 30 years. If your tank is older than that and you’re spending money on frequent pump outs, alarm calls, and emergency repairs, replacing the entire system is the more cost effective and reliable long term solution.
Our Septic System Replacement Process
Septic system replacement follows a structured sequence that protects your property and satisfies all regulatory requirements.
Step 1 — Site assessment and soil testing. We visit your property, locate the existing system, and perform a perc test and soil evaluation. These results determine what type of replacement system your lot can support.
Step 2 — System design and permitting. Our designer engineers the new layout, specifying tank size, drain field dimensions, distribution box placement, and pipe routing. We submit the design to the health department and secure the required permit before any digging begins.
Step 3 — Decommissioning the old system. Our pump truck vacuums all septage from the existing tank. Crews then excavate the old tank, distribution box, and drain field piping. We crush or remove the old tank per local code and haul all waste to a licensed treatment plant.
Step 4 — Installation. The excavator prepares the new tank bed and absorption trenches to precise grade. We set the new septic tank, connect inlet and outlet pipes, install the distribution box or dosing chamber, lay lateral lines with Infiltrator chambers or gravel bed media, and wrap everything in geotextile fabric where specified.
Step 5 — Inspection, backfill, and restoration. The health department inspector verifies depth, slope, setbacks, and component placement. Once approved, we backfill with clean aggregate and approved material, compact carefully, and grade the surface for proper drainage.
Brands We Use
Lakes Region Septic installs products from these trusted manufacturers:
- Infiltrator Water Technologies
- Norweco
- Orenco Systems
- Zoeller
- Polylok
- TUF-TITE
- Sim/Tech
- Liberty Pumps
- Consolidated Treatment Systems (CTS)
- Hancor / ADS (Advanced Drainage Systems)
We select each component based on your soil conditions, system design, and local code requirements.
Other Services
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| septic tank replacement | septic system removal and replacement | how much to replace a septic system |
| drain field replacement | leach field replacement | failing septic system signs |
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| commercial septic replacement | full septic system replacement near me | septic system replacement process |
FAQs About Septic System Replacement
What does septic system replacement include?
A full septic system replacement includes decommissioning and removing the old tank, distribution box, and drain field, then installing a completely new system — tank, piping, distribution components, and absorption area. The scope depends on whether you need a conventional gravity fed system, a pressurized mound system, or an advanced treatment unit.
When should I replace my septic system instead of repairing it?
You should replace your septic system when the tank has structural cracks or corrosion that can’t be sealed, the drain field soil is permanently saturated with biomat, or the system is non compliant with current building code and can’t be brought up to standard through component repairs alone.
How long does a septic system replacement take?
Most residential replacements take three to five working days from excavation through final backfill. Permitting and soil testing add one to four weeks of lead time before ground work begins, depending on your local health department’s review schedule.
How much does it cost to replace a septic system?
Costs vary based on system type, tank size, soil conditions, and site access. A conventional gravity fed replacement typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. Alternative systems like mound systems or advanced treatment units can run $15,000 to $40,000 or more.
Can I stay in my home during septic system replacement?
Yes. We coordinate the work so your household has minimal disruption. In most cases, we connect the new system and restore wastewater service within the same project window, and temporary accommodations aren’t needed.
Does my town require a permit for septic system replacement?
Yes. Every municipality in the Lakes Region requires a permit from the health department before any septic installation or replacement work begins. Lakes Region Septic handles the entire permit application and inspection scheduling process for you.