Septic Repair
Septic Repair Services in Nashville & Middle Tennessee
When your septic system fails, you need fast, reliable repair from experts who understand both the problem and the solution. Prodigy Sewer & Drain delivers professional septic repair services throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties, combining decades of experience with innovative technology to restore your system quickly and effectively.
We respond to septic emergencies 24/7 and handle routine repairs with the same commitment to quality. From broken pipes and pump failures to drainfield issues and tank damage, our licensed team diagnoses problems accurately and implements lasting solutions. We bring the same trenchless repair expertise that revolutionized sewer line rehabilitation to septic system repairs.
Common Septic Problems We Fix
Septic Tank Backups
Sewage backing up into your home is a serious emergency requiring immediate attention. Backups occur when solids overflow from the tank, inlet or outlet baffles fail, or blockages prevent proper drainage. We respond quickly, pumping tanks, clearing blockages, and restoring safe operation.
Failed Drainfields
The drainfield is your system's most critical component. Failure symptoms include standing water over the drainfield, sewage odors in your yard, unusually lush grass growth, or slow drains throughout your home. We assess whether repair, rejuvenation, or replacement is needed.
Broken Septic Lines
Pipes can crack, collapse, or become displaced due to soil settlement, tree root intrusion, or aging materials. Using CCTV camera inspection technology, we locate exact damage points. Our trenchless pipe repair methods often rehabilitate broken lines without destroying your yard.
Septic Pump Failures
Systems requiring pumps depend on reliable mechanical components. Pump failures cause immediate system malfunction. We repair or replace failed pumps, damaged float switches, electrical connections, and control panels—restoring proper operation quickly.
Distribution Box Problems
The distribution box evenly divides effluent among drainfield laterals. Problems include clogged outlets, tilted or settled boxes, broken baffles, or damaged pipes. We excavate and repair distribution boxes, ensuring proper flow distribution.
Septic Tank Damage
Concrete tanks can crack from ground movement, tree roots, or age. Fiberglass tanks may separate at seams. We assess whether tanks can be repaired or require replacement, considering structural integrity, leak severity, and cost-effectiveness.
Our Septic Repair Process
Step 1: Emergency Response or Scheduled Service
For emergencies, we respond 24/7—call our emergency line anytime. For routine repairs, we schedule convenient appointments. We arrive promptly with fully equipped service vehicles ready to diagnose and repair most problems on the first visit.
Step 2: Comprehensive Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary repairs. We use advanced diagnostic tools including video camera inspection of pipes and tanks, electronic locating equipment to find buried components, hydraulic testing to assess system function, and soil probing to evaluate drainfield conditions.
Step 3: Honest Assessment & Options
We provide straightforward assessments of your system's condition. If repairs will extend system life cost-effectively, we recommend them. If replacement makes more financial sense, we explain why. You'll receive detailed estimates for all options.
Step 4: Expert Repair
Our licensed technicians perform repairs efficiently using quality materials. For pipe repairs, we often use trenchless CIPP lining—rehabilitating pipes without excavation. We coordinate required permits when repairs need county approval.
Step 5: Testing & Documentation
After repairs, we test system function thoroughly. We provide documentation of work completed, recommendations for ongoing maintenance, warranty information, and guidance to prevent future problems.
Trenchless Septic Line Repair
Innovative Repair Technology
Not all septic repairs require tearing up your yard. Our trenchless technology expertise allows us to rehabilitate many septic pipes without extensive excavation.
How It Works:
Using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, we insert a resin-saturated liner into damaged pipes through existing access points. The liner cures in place, creating a new pipe inside the old one—sealing cracks, blocking root intrusion, and restoring structural integrity.
Benefits:
- Minimal excavation (small access points only)
- Preserves landscaping, driveways, and hardscaping
- Faster completion than traditional dig-and-replace
- Often more cost-effective
- Long-lasting results (50+ year lifespan)
Ideal For:
- Cracked or broken pipes between house and tank
- Root-damaged lines
- Pipes under driveways, patios, or landscaping
- Lines with offset joints or minor collapses
Repair vs. Replacement
When Repair Makes Sense:
- Damage is isolated to specific components
- The septic tank is structurally sound
- The drainfield shows adequate absorption capacity
- Repair costs are significantly less than replacement
- The system is properly sized for current needs
- Repairs will extend system life 5+ years
Common repairable issues: Broken pipes, failed pumps, damaged distribution boxes, clogged lines, minor tank cracks, broken baffles
When Replacement Is Necessary:
- The septic tank has major structural damage
- The drainfield has completely failed
- Multiple major components need simultaneous repair
- The system is undersized for current household
- Repair costs approach 50% of replacement costs
- The system is 30+ years old with recurring problems
We provide honest assessments weighing repair costs against remaining system life. If replacement makes more sense, we’ll recommend our septic installation services.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Repair
Warning Signs:
Inside Your Home:
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling sounds when water drains
- Sewage backing up into fixtures
- Persistent sewage odors from drains
- Water pooling around basement floor drains
Outside Your Property:
- Standing water over septic components
- Unusually lush grass over drainfield
- Sewage odors in your yard
- Sewage surfacing above ground
- Sunken areas over tank or drainfield
System Indicators:
- High water levels in tank inspection port
- Alarms sounding on monitoring systems
- Pumps running constantly or not at all
- Recent heavy rainfall causing problems
Similar to drain problems that indicate sewer line issues, these symptoms suggest septic system malfunction.
Why Choose Prodigy for Septic Repair
Our team holds Tennessee Septic System Installer and Repair Permits, Master Plumbing licenses, and comprehensive insurance. We've repaired hundreds of septic systems across Middle Tennessee.
We never recommend unnecessary repairs. If your system can be fixed cost-effectively, we repair it. If replacement makes more sense, we explain why honestly.
Our trenchless repair capabilities set us apart. When possible, we rehabilitate damaged pipes without destroying landscaping. Our CCTV inspection equipment locates problems precisely.
For emergencies, we respond 24/7. For routine repairs, we schedule promptly and arrive on time with fully equipped service vehicles.
Beyond repairs, we provide:
- Septic system installation for replacements
- Septic inspection services
- Emergency response
- Preventive maintenance programs
- Expert consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does septic repair cost?
Septic repair costs vary based on problem type. Minor repairs like pump replacement cost $500-$2,000. Distribution box repairs typically cost $1,000-$3,000. Drainfield repairs range from $2,000-$10,000. We provide detailed written estimates before any work begins.
How quickly can you respond to emergencies?
Can you repair septic lines without digging up my yard?
Yes, in many cases. Our trenchless pipe repair technology rehabilitates cracked, broken, or root-damaged pipes without extensive excavation. Using CIPP lining, we create new pipes inside damaged ones—preserving landscaping and hardscaping.
Do repairs require permits?
Major repairs typically require permits in both Davidson and Williamson Counties. Drainfield repairs, septic tank replacement, and major pipe repairs require permits. Minor repairs like pump replacements usually don't. We handle all permit coordination.
How long does septic repair take?
Simple repairs like pump replacement take 2-4 hours. Distribution box repairs typically require 1-2 days. Drainfield repairs may take 3-5 days depending on extent and permit requirements. Emergency repairs are prioritized for fastest completion.
Should I repair or replace my system?
This depends on your system's age, overall condition, and repair costs. Repair makes sense when damage is isolated and costs are significantly less than replacement. Replacement becomes necessary when the tank has major damage, the drainfield has failed, or multiple components need repair. We provide honest assessments.
What causes septic system failures?
Common causes include lack of regular pumping, excessive water use, flushing inappropriate materials, tree root intrusion, ground settlement, vehicle traffic over components, aging components, and poor initial installation. Most failures are preventable through proper maintenance.
Will insurance cover septic repair?
Standard homeowners insurance typically does NOT cover septic repairs, as these are considered maintenance issues. However, some policies may cover repairs from covered events like vehicle accidents or specific natural disasters. Review your policy for coverage details.
