Septic System Replacement & Upgrade

Professional septic system replacement and upgrade services for homeowners and commercial properties across your community – delivered with care, efficiency, and long-term value

5 Highlights on Septic System Replacement & Upgrade

Full Tank Replacement — Action Septic Service removes deteriorated concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene septic tanks and installs new precast or plastic tanks sized to your property’s wastewater demands. We handle every permit, excavation, and backfill step to ensure the project is done right and your property value is protected.
Drain Field Reconstruction — Failing leach fields get replaced with code compliant absorption trenches, chambered systems, or mound systems. Our crew evaluates soil composition and conditions, performs perc tests, and installs new drainfield media for reliable effluent dispersal. A well-maintained drain field can significantly enhance your system’s efficiency and prevent future damage
Aerobic Treatment Unit Upgrades — We retrofit conventional gravity fed septic systems with advanced aerobic treatment units, nitrogen reducing systems, and UV disinfection units. These upgrades deliver improved treatment process function and treat wastewater to a higher standard before it reaches the soil, providing environmental protection for your community.
Distribution Box and Pump Chamber Installation — Corroded or cracked D boxes and pump chambers compromise your entire system and can lead to significant cost in repairs. We replace damaged components with new baffled distribution boxes, dosing pumps, and float switches to restore even pressure distribution and keep your system functioning properly.
Health Department Compliance — Every septic system replacement and upgrade we perform meets local building code requirements. Action Septic Service coordinates inspections, secures permits, and certifies the completed installation so you can have peace of mind that the work is complete and your safety is protected.

Our Septic System Replacement & Upgrade Services:

Why Choose Our Septic System Replacement & Upgrade

Septic system replacement and upgrade work is a major investment in your property. Action Septic Service brings decades of hands on experience to every job. We’re a trusted, top rated, licensed and certified septic contractor with the equipment, licensing, and field knowledge to replace failing systems and upgrade outdated ones. Our company will help you find the most cost-effective solution tailored to your needs.

Our crews operate backhoes, excavators, and trenchers daily. We don’t subcontract the digging or the plumbing. One team handles the full scope, from pulling the old tank to connecting the new inlet pipe and outlet pipe, grading the soil, and compacting the backfill. That single point of accountability means fewer delays, reduced stress, and cleaner results every time.

We assess and evaluate your current system before making any recommendations. A qualified technician inspects the scum layer, sludge layer, effluent filter, baffles, and lateral lines. We run soil tests and perc tests on the reserve area. If your tank is undersized, your drain field is saturated, or your system is non compliant, we’ll explain exactly what needs to happen and provide a detailed quote so you understand the price involved.

Action Septic Service stands behind every septic system replacement and upgrade with a written workmanship guarantee. We use commercial grade materials from the best manufacturers in the industry. Our pricing is straightforward. No hidden fees, no surprise change orders. You get a free estimate and detailed proposal before we break ground. Call us to schedule a visit and request a review of your system condition.

Signs You Need Septic System Replacement & Upgrade

Septic system replacement and upgrade becomes essential when your existing system can no longer treat and disperse wastewater safely. Here are five warning signs that indicate your system is failing and additional repairs may be needed to avoid property damage.

Persistent Sewage Backup in the Home: Blackwater backing up into floor drains, toilets, and showers signals a serious problem. If pumping the tank doesn’t resolve the backup, the issue likely sits in a collapsed sewer line, a deteriorated baffle, or a tank that has lost structural integrity. A corroded concrete tank can crack and allow groundwater infiltration, which creates hydraulic overload and pushes effluent back toward the house.

Standing Water Over the Drain Field: Saturated soil and pooling effluent above your leach field mean the absorption trenches or infiltrator chambers have failed. Biomat buildup, roots and tree root intrusion, and compacted aggregate all reduce the soil’s ability to percolate and absorb treated wastewater. Once a drain field reaches this stage, line replacement with new drainfield media is the only lasting fix to make the system function again.

Strong Odor Near the Tank or Field: Septic odor at the surface points to a failing effluent filter, a missing or broken access lid, or an overloaded system that can no longer decompose solids anaerobically. These odors carry contaminated gases and indicate the system isn’t processing waste properly. Contact our friendly team to locate the original source of the problem and start the cleaning and repair process.

Health Department Notice of Non Compliance: Local health departments issue violation notices when a septic system fails inspection. Common triggers include undersized tanks, missing risers, absent alarm systems, and leach fields that encroach on well setbacks or property lines. A full system replacement or upgrade brings your property back into code compliant status. Don’t deal with this challenging situation alone – we will manage the entire plan from start to finish.

System Age Exceeding 25 to 30 Years: Conventional septic tanks and gravity systems installed decades ago weren’t designed for today’s household water usage. Older systems often lack pump chambers, effluent filters, and proper distribution boxes. Upgrading to an advanced pressure distribution system or aerobic treatment unit extends the life of your wastewater infrastructure by decades. This smart investment ensures increased functionality, reduced maintenance costs, and better protection for your landscaping and underground plumbing.

Our Septic System Replacement & Upgrade Process

Septic system replacement and upgrade follows a structured sequence of steps that protects your property and satisfies local building code. Here is how we manage the planning and complete every project.

Step 1 — Site Evaluation and Soil Testing A technician inspects the existing septic tank, drain field, distribution box, and all connecting pipes. We perform perc tests and soil tests to determine the absorption rate and identify the best location for new components or a reserve area. Our team will check every part of the system and consult with you on what we find.

Step 2 — System Design and Permitting We design the replacement system based on your property’s soil profile, household size, and wastewater volume. Action Septic Service submits engineered plans to the health department and secures all required permits before any excavation begins. Rates and costs vary depending on what is needed, so we provide an updated estimate given your specific situation.

Step 3 — Excavation and Removal Our crew uses excavators and backhoes to dig and unearth the old tank, pump chamber, and lateral lines. We pump and desludge the existing tank, then decommission it according to local regulations. Deteriorated components get hauled off site. We take care to protect your drive, yard, and any existing conduit installation or water line near the work area.

Step 4 — Installation and Connection The new septic tank, D box, effluent filter, baffles, risers, and drainfield components go in. We trench for new perforated pipes, lay geotextile fabric and aggregate, and connect all inlet and outlet pipes. Dosing pumps, float switches, and alarm systems get wired and tested. Every line installation and line repair is used to ensure the system becomes ready for regular maintenance and long-term use.

Step 5 — Backfill, Grading, and Final Inspection We backfill around the tank and over the leach field, grade the surface for proper drainage, and compact the soil. A final inspection with the local authority certifies the new system as code compliant and fully operational. When we finish, you’ll be satisfied that the work was done by contractors who care about delivering enhanced savings and lower expense over time.

Brands We Use

Septic system replacement and upgrade demands commercial grade products that perform underground for decades. Action Septic Service installs components from these trusted manufacturers:

Infiltrator Water Technologies
Orenco Systems
Zoeller
Liberty Pumps
Sim/Tech
TUF-TITE
Polylok
Norweco
Presby Environmental
Jet Inc.

Every product we install carries a manufacturer warranty.

Other Services

Septic system replacement	Replace septic tank	New septic tank installation cost
Septic system upgrade	Upgrade septic to aerobic	Conventional to aerobic conversion
Drain field replacement	Leach field replacement	Failed drain field repair options
Septic tank installation	Install new septic system	Residential septic system design
Septic system repair and replacement	Failing septic system solutions	Septic permit and soil test services

FAQs About Septic System Replacement & Upgrade

What is a septic system replacement?

A septic system replacement is the removal of a failing or deteriorated septic tank, drain field, or both, followed by the installation of new components. The scope can range from swapping out a cracked concrete tank to replacing the entire system, including the pump chamber, distribution box, lateral lines, and absorption trenches. Whether a clean out is needed or a complete municipal sewer connection, we balance every key matter to get the job fixed right.

When should I upgrade my septic system?

You should upgrade when your current system is undersized for your household, when the health department issues a non compliance notice, or when you want to improve treatment quality. Upgrading from a conventional gravity fed system to a pressurized aerobic treatment unit or nitrogen reducing system treats effluent more thoroughly and can extend drain field life. If you are concerned about slow drains or potential clog issues, an upgrade may be the right form of protection for your home community.

Why does a drain field fail?

Drain fields fail because of biomat accumulation, soil compaction, root intrusion, hydraulic overload, or age. When the soil around perforated pipes can no longer absorb and filter effluent, wastewater rises to the surface. A failed leach field requires full replacement with new aggregate, geotextile fabric, and drainfield media. Storm water infiltration or improper water main routing can also increase the load and lead to failure over time.

How long does a septic system replacement take?

Most residential septic system replacements take three to five working days. Permitting can add one to four weeks depending on your local health department. Complex installations involving mound systems, sand filters, or aerobic treatment units may take longer. We will say how much time is involved and keep you coming back to us for any quick response questions along the way.

Can I upgrade my septic system without replacing the tank?

Yes. If your septic tank is structurally sound and properly sized, you can upgrade other components. Common upgrades include adding an effluent filter, installing a new distribution box, retrofitting with a dosing pump and float switch, or replacing a failed drain field with a chambered or pressure distribution system. A star contractor like Action Septic Service can fill you in on which upgrades make sense and deliver the last word on water line repair or storm drain issues that may be involved.

Does a septic system replacement require a permit?

Yes. Every septic system replacement and upgrade requires a permit from the local health department or building authority. Action Septic Service handles the full permitting process, including soil tests, perc tests, system design submissions, and scheduling the final inspection. We hired professionals who understand the regulations so you don’t have to become an expert yourself. Our goal is to make the experience as stress-free as possible and ensure your system is located, maintained, and made to last.