Diagnose first, repair second, replace only when it's truly dead. Most "failed" systems we see need a fix, not a $30,000 field.
When a system "fails," it's usually one of a short list of parts — and most of them are far cheaper than a new leach field. Broken inlet or outlet baffles let solids escape into the field. A crushed or root-invaded pipe between house and tank causes backups that look like tank problems. A tipped or rotted distribution box sends all the flow to one trench and drowns it. And yes, sometimes the field itself is saturated after decades of service.
The difference between a $600 baffle repair and a $30,000 field replacement is the diagnosis. We start with the tank open, the levels read, and the d-box found before anyone talks about excavation.
Soggy or bright-green ground over the field, outdoor sewage odor, and backups that return quickly after pumping. If pumping buys you months of relief, the field may still have life; if relief lasts days, the field is likely saturated.
Baffles and pipe sections: hundreds to low thousands. Distribution boxes: $1,500–$4,000. Full field replacement: $15,000–$40,000 in this region, driven by soils and site. You'll know which category you're in before any digging.
Yes — NHDES requires a licensed designer's plan and a state permit for replacement systems. We coordinate that whole chain so you're not managing three contractors.
Get a diagnosis before you get a replacement quote. We tell you what's actually broken.
Tell us where the property is and what's going on. We'll get right back to you with a straight price.