Here is how much leach field replacement cost.

A leach field is one septic system component that performs the function of wastewater treatment and filtration.

This remains functional for a considerable number of years before it wears out. Wearing out in this sense refers to the leach field serving out its use.

When this happens, a replacement will be necessary. The old will have to make way for the new and that brings us to the topic under focus; leach field replacement cost. It’s obvious here that the focus isn’t on how the leach field functions or how it can be replaced.

Rather, the cost side of things is what we’ll be more concerned about.

It all Starts with Drain Field Failure

Before a leach field ever gets considered for replacement, there have to be reasons. The clear reasons here have to do with failure. Failure of the drain field is one major reason why it will require replacement.

Most times, the problem originates from elsewhere.

In other words, improper functioning of other parts of the septic system such as the tank will surely affect the drain field. Issues such as clogs, grease infiltration, and more end up plugging the drain field.

Before we get into further details, let’s first consider provide you with an idea of replacement costs.

Average Drain Field Replacement Cost

When it comes to having another drain field installed, cost considerations take the center stage.

In other words, one of the primary considerations of homeowners is how much it will cost them to have a new one fixed in place of the old one.

It will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to have a new drain field replaced. However, this is only an estimate as quite a lot of things are involved.

First, to know exactly how much it will cost you, you’ll need to contact your septic service company or installer for full cost details.

Leach field replacement cost varies from one company to the next.

Also, there’s the issue of type. The type of leach field being installed largely determines its cost.

Replacement Costs For Different Types Of Leach Fields

As mentioned earlier, leach fields come in different types.

Depending on the type you have installed, having one replaced will impact directly on cost.

Drain field types include elevated seepage bed systems, conventional drain field design, dry-well drain field systems, and chamber-type systems.

  • Elevated Seepage Bed Systems Replacement Cost

As the name suggests, elevated seepage bed systems are purposely built to be elevated.

Such leach field constructions are a response to areas having high groundwater or shallow soil depth. These drain fields cost more to build, as such, they’ll be more costly to replace.

If you have this system installed on your property, replacing it will cost you around $4,000 to $10,000 or more.

  • Conventional Drain Field Design Replacement Cost

This type of leach field is more common.

It’s normally installed in soil types that can handle effluent absorption or filtration. Replacing a failed conventional drain field will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.

  • Dry Well Drain Field System Replacement Cost

A dry well drain field system usually consists of a tall concrete cylinder having an open bottom covered with soil and holes on its sides. When wastewater flows from a home into a septic tank, effluent gets treated by flowing into the dry well.

Here, the surrounding soils as well those below filter out the wastewater, making it safe to rejoin groundwater.

The cost of replacing a dry well will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000.

  • Chamber-Type System Replacement Cost

Chamber-type leach fields are a fairly recent innovation.

Here, effluent flows into a perforated leaching chamber usually buried underground. The soil below the drain field provides the treatment required for wastewater.

Unlike the others, this doesn’t serve as long and will need to be changed or replaced more frequently.

Replacement costs ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

Cost Comparisons; New Installation Vs Replacement

One of the ways to get a better perspective on pricing is by closely looking at new leach field installation Vs replacement. Although these are quite similar in a way because a new system is being introduced, it’s not entirely so.

In the case of a new installation, there’s no existing leach field that needs to be replaced. On the other hand, replacing a failed leach field requires that the old makes way for the new.

In other words, the old leach field has to be removed to install the new one.

There’s an additional cost attached to the removal of an old leach field. As such, you should normally expect leach field replacement costs to be higher than new installations.

Why Leach Field Replacement May Be Required

Many factors impact negatively leach fields. A leach field is likely to fail when these factors remain.

They include the excessive use of water, old and worn components, as well as excessive runoff water. Others include interference of roots and vehicular damage.

  • Excessive Water Usage

Excessive water use in homes is one of the primary causes of a failed leach field. This action persisted on is more likely than not to flood your septic system.

When too much water gets in, waste treatment is less efficient. Plus, the leach field is unable to handle the large volume of water coming in.

  • Old & Worn-out Components

Old and worn-out components of a septic system will negatively impact your drain field. The leach field is part of a system, therefore when one part becomes worn out; it’s likely to affect the drain field. An example is a filter.

A malfunctioning filter may leak out solid particles that may clog the drain field.

  • Excessive Runoff Water

During storms and hurricanes, there may be excessive runoff water. This will be worse when there’s no proper or efficient drainage system.

In this case, your drain field is likely to become badly affected, thus leading to its failure.

  • Root Interference

Trees planted close to the leach field are likely to extend their root systems into the leach field area.

When roots get into the system, it results in clogs and eventual failure when nothing is done about it.

  • Vehicular Damage

Driving cars and other heavy machinery over drain fields will likely lead to its failure. This creates compaction, thus affecting the percolation of wastewater.

In this situation, a replacement will be necessary.

Now that you have an idea about the cost implications of having your leach field replaced, you can begin the process. As stated earlier, getting an exact price quote for your situation depends on contacting the septic service.

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