Kickstart is a restoration method that uses compressed air to fracture compacted soil and inject beneficial bacteria that break down clogs. During the process, our technicians create small access points in your yard, send controlled bursts of air into the soil, and add a microbial solution that eats away at the biomat. This immediately restores absorption, often in just a few hours, without tearing up your lawn. Kickstart is especially effective for biological failures caused by sludge or organic buildup.
Yes — many failing leach fields can be restored with Kickstart rather than replaced. Full replacement is only necessary if the system has collapsed trenches, poor design, or severe structural damage. In most cases, Kickstart re-opens the soil, restores drainage, and extends the life of the system by years. This makes it one of the most cost-effective solutions available for homeowners in Michigan.
The most effective way to rejuvenate a drainfield is with a combination of soil fracturing and bacterial treatment, like Kickstart. DIY methods such as additives or occasional pumping rarely solve the problem long-term. Kickstart is designed to tackle the root cause by physically reopening the soil and biologically digesting the buildup that prevents absorption.
Biological restoration involves adding live, beneficial bacteria that continuously break down waste and reduce biomat buildup. Kickstart includes this step, ensuring the soil stays active after the initial air fracturing. For long-term biological maintenance, many homeowners choose to add a SludgeHammer® unit after Kickstart, which keeps feeding bacteria into the system year-round.
The best way is through soil fracturing and bacterial treatment, not chemicals or additives. Household drain cleaners, enzymes, or “miracle cures” may temporarily mask symptoms but do not restore soil absorption. Kickstart addresses the clog directly and provides lasting results, often with same-day performance improvements.
Fixing a failing drainfield starts with a professional assessment, followed by the right solution. If the problem is biological (clogged soil or biomat), Kickstart is often the fastest and most effective fix. If roots or crushed pipes are involved, those issues are addressed first, and then Kickstart can be applied to restore soil absorption. By combining mechanical and biological methods, most failing fields can be saved without replacement.
Costs vary by system size, soil condition, and access, but Kickstart is typically a fraction of full replacement. While replacement can run tens of thousands of dollars, Kickstart restoration is often completed for a small percentage of that cost. Each assessment includes a clear estimate so you know exactly what to expect before work begins.
A successful Kickstart can add years of life to a drainfield. Homeowners often see immediate improvement and several more years of reliable service. Pairing Kickstart with preventative maintenance or a SludgeHammer unit can extend longevity even further, often outlasting original expectations for the system.
Kickstart is dramatically less expensive than replacement. Replacement can mean excavating the entire field, disrupting landscaping, and spending $15,000–$25,000 or more. Kickstart, by contrast, restores the system in hours, usually without heavy excavation, and costs a fraction of replacement. With a 5-year warranty included, it’s one of the best values for Michigan homeowners facing septic issues.
Kickstart is a fast, proven way to bring your drainfield back to life, and it’s backed by a 5-year warranty. If your system is showing signs of failure, a professional assessment will confirm whether Kickstart is right for you. Restore flow, save money, and protect your property with Michigan Drainfield’s proprietary Kickstart process.
