Repairs That Come Up Most
Baffles & tees
The inlet and outlet baffles keep scum and solids in the tank. Older concrete baffles can crumble. A missing outlet baffle lets solids flow straight to the field.
Effluent filters
Many newer systems have a filter on the outlet. It protects the field, but it needs periodic cleaning, and a clogged one causes backups.
Risers & lids
Cracked or unsafe lids get replaced. Risers bring access to grade so the tank can be serviced without digging.
Broken or root-filled lines
The pipe from the house to the tank, or from the tank to the field, can crack, settle or fill with roots. A camera finds where.
Distribution box
A D-box that has settled out of level sends all the water down one line, overloading part of the field. Releveling or replacing it can help.
Pumps, floats & alarms
Pump-up systems on sloped lots depend on an effluent pump and controls. These parts wear out and can be replaced on their own.
Repair vs. Replace
If the tank is sound and the drain field still accepts water, repairs usually make sense. If the field is saturated and solids have clogged the soil, repairing parts upstream won't bring it back. That's when drain field or full system replacement comes into the discussion.
Questions
How do I find my septic tank?
Start with any records from the county, the town or the previous owner. Otherwise, follow the main sewer line's direction out of the basement. A septic pro can locate the tank with a probe or a line locator.
Do repairs need a permit?
Minor repairs often don't, but larger work and replacements usually do. Your contractor and the town or the Orange County Department of Health will confirm what applies.
Related Services
Septic Tank Pumping
Routine pump-outs that keep solids out of the drain field, with a look at baffles and filters while the tank is open.
Learn more →Septic Inspections
Inspections for buyers, sellers and homeowners: tank, baffles, distribution box and drain field condition.
Learn more →Septic Backups & Alarms
Sewage backing up, gurgling drains or a pump alarm sounding. What to do now and when to call.
Learn more →Drain Field Repair & Replacement
Wet spots, odors, or a tank that refills from the field. Diagnosis, rejuvenation options and field replacement.
Learn more →Septic System Replacement
Full new systems: soil testing, design, permits, tank and field installation for failed or outdated systems.
Learn more →Get a Septic Repair Quote
Call or send the form with your town and what's happening.
- Tell us your town and what's happening (backup, alarm, due for pumping, sale)
- If you know it, when the tank was last pumped and where the lid is
- A local septic pro calls back and confirms availability and a typical price range
Request Septic Service
Where This Service Is Available
Monroe, NY 10950, Chester, Warwick, Goshen, Harriman & Central Valley, Woodbury & Highland Mills, Washingtonville & Blooming Grove, Middletown, Newburgh, Florida, Pine Bush & Montgomery, plus Sugar Loaf, Greenwood Lake, Pine Island, Arden, Tuxedo, South Blooming Grove, Salisbury Mills, Cornwall and nearby communities. All service areas.