If you’re starting to notice issues with your septic system, your drainfield is often the root cause. A failing drainfield won’t absorb and filter wastewater the way it should, and small warning signs can quickly turn into costly problems if ignored.
When you see these signs, it doesn’t always mean your entire system has failed, but it does mean action is needed. In many cases, Michigan Drainfield can repair and restore function without the mess and cost of a full replacement.
Next step: schedule a professional drainfield assessment so our licensed team can pinpoint the cause and recommend the right repair.
Tree and shrub roots are drawn to the moisture inside drainfield lines. Over time, they break through pipes, creating blockages and structural damage.
As wastewater is treated, a biological layer (called biomat) forms along the drainfield trench. If it grows too thick, the field can no longer absorb effluent, leading to pooling water and backups.
Heavy equipment, shifting soil, or poor installation can collapse or misalign drainfield lines, stopping proper flow.
Too much water entering the system at once, or a high seasonal water table, overwhelms the drainfield’s ability to disperse wastewater.
By identifying the exact cause, our team can apply the right repair method to restore function and extend the life of your septic system.
With our experienced and knowledgeable technicians, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and commitment to personalized service, you can trust that your drainfields needs are in good hands. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your drainfield needs.
Not every failing drainfield has to be torn out and replaced. In fact, most can be repaired if the right solution is applied at the right time. Professional drainfield repair targets the underlying issue—whether it’s roots, clogged biomat, or crushed lines—so the system can function again without the cost and disruption of a full replacement.
Tree and shrub roots naturally search for water, making your drainfield lines an easy target. Left unchecked, they can block or even break the pipes. We use high-pressure jetting to clear the roots and apply municipal-grade foaming herbicides to stop them from growing back.
When wastewater starts pooling above your drainfield, it’s a clear sign that the soil isn’t absorbing effluent properly. This can create health risks and property damage if ignored.
Extra moisture and nutrients from a failing field often create bright green patches of grass directly above it. While it may look healthy, it usually points to system overload.
A sudden increase in tiny black flies near your septic area or inside your home often means untreated sewage is surfacing and attracting pests.
Excess sludge or biomat can block absorption trenches, slowing the system down until wastewater backs up into the yard or home.
Whether from heavy equipment, soil movement, or poor installation, broken drainfield lines prevent proper flow. We locate damaged sections and replace them with as little yard disruption as possible.
We locate the septic tank and drainfield lines, run flow and absorption tests, and use cameras or locating tools to see what’s happening underground.
Our team explains the issue in plain language, shows you the findings, and lays out the repair options along with expected results and costs.
We apply the right solution designed to restore the field without large-scale excavation, whether that requires root removal, line replacement, or biomat treatment.
Once repairs are complete, we verify that the system is flowing and dispersing properly. All repairs are backed by our strong warranty so you can feel confident the problem is resolved. This approach minimizes disruption to your property while extending the life of your septic system for years to come.
A well-done repair can give your septic system many more years of reliable use. With regular maintenance, most repaired drainfields perform for the long term without needing a full replacement.
At Michigan Drainfield, many of our services are backed by strong warranties, including a 5-year guarantee on our Kickstart process. Combined with routine inspections and preventative care, your repaired system can continue working like it should for years to come.
Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Kalamazoo
Lansing, Midland, Saginaw
Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint
Traverse City, Gaylord, Petoskey
Most repairs are completed without large-scale excavation or damage to landscaping.
Restoration methods cost a fraction of full drainfield replacement.
Many repairs are completed in hours, not weeks.
Our repairs are backed by strong warranties and maintenance programs that extend system life.
Licensed engineers and EGLE-certified technicians ensure repairs are done right the first time.
Homeowners across Michigan trust us to save their septic systems and their budgets. Here’s what they’ve said after working with Michigan Drainfield:
Alan TJuly 25, 2025 So far, the drainfield has dried out pretty quickly, just days after the service was done. The guys were friendly and explained everything well. I would give it 5 stars, but there hasn't been enough time to see the impact long term. Overall we are very happy.Athar RJuly 25, 2025 Very knowledgeable and professional team and very good customer service.Jim VJuly 14, 2025 Very professional, great work! thank you!!!Timothy BMay 30, 2025 We have used these guys twice now. They are honest and fast. They really took care of us especcially Aaron! We will continue to tell our family and friends.Mike SMay 24, 2025 Awesome to work with, great communication, and excellent work done. They were able to get my septic field back to running order.JON BMay 19, 2025 Very knowledgeable and extremely helpful and willing to go above and beyond to make I understood options and proceduresTJ KMay 8, 2025 Even though I learned my drainfield was not up to par when built in 1964 as far as size and with the concrete now being brittle and falling apart at this point, so restoration was not an option. Josh was very helpful in showing me why the restoration was no longer an option and was very informative on the next steps in the process to get our home back to normal as soon as it would be possible. Very professional service from start to finish.Phil MJanuary 3, 2025 Great service and very helpful and informative!Load more
A failing septic system doesn’t always mean it’s time for replacement. With the right repair, you can restore performance, protect your property, and save thousands of dollars. Michigan Drainfield’s engineer-led team has been helping homeowners across the state restore their systems quickly and with minimal disruption. From root removal to advanced bioremediation, we bring proven solutions that last.
Michigan has a lot of clay-heavy soils that don’t drain quickly, plus we deal with freeze-thaw cycles and seasonal high water tables. Those conditions can stress a drainfield more than in other regions. That’s why local knowledge matters, our repairs are designed around Michigan’s soil and weather challenges.
A repair targets the specific issue, clearing roots, unclogging biomat, or replacing a section of pipe—while keeping the rest of the system intact. A replacement means building a brand-new drainfield, which is far more costly and disruptive. Most Michigan homeowners only need repair, not replacement.
If sewage is backing up into the home or pooling in your yard, we treat it as urgent. In many parts of Michigan, we can schedule same-week or even same-day repairs depending on location.
Usually not. Most of our repair methods are trenchless or minimally invasive. We use camera inspections, jetting tools, and targeted line replacement so your landscaping stays intact. Full yard excavation is only required if the field is beyond repair.
When done right, repairs can last for years—even decades—with proper maintenance. For example, our Kickstart bioremediation process includes a 5-year guarantee. We also recommend seasonal checkups to handle Michigan’s unique soil and groundwater shifts.
Yes. Our crews travel throughout the Lower Peninsula, from Detroit suburbs to rural counties near Traverse City. Whether you’re in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, or a township outside Lansing, we bring the same engineer-led approach to every property.
If your septic field is showing signs of trouble, repair is often faster, easier, and far less costly than replacement. Michigan Drainfield has helped homeowners across the state restore failing systems with proven methods that last. Take the first step today: Schedule a professional drainfield assessment and let our licensed team show you the most effective repair options for your property.