Is Your Drainfield Failing?

How to Spot Biomat Problems and Fix Them Without Replacing the Drainfield

If you own a home with a septic system, chances are you don’t think about it very often. It’s out of sight, out of mind—until there’s a problem.

When trouble starts, many homeowners fear the worst: a complete drainfield replacement. That can mean torn-up landscaping, months of disruption, and a price tag of $8,000 to $30,000 or more plus the cost of lawn repairs!

The good news? In many cases, your drainfield isn’t “dead” at all. It’s struggling with something called biomat buildup—and there’s a way to restore it without replacement. That process is known as drainfield rejuvenation.

Let’s walk through what that means, how to know if your drainfield is in trouble, and how RioVation® BioMaze® can help bring it back to life.

What is Drainfield Rejuvenation?

Every septic system has an effluent dispersal method, typically a drainfield or leach field — pipes buried in the yard that let septic effluent soak into the soil. Over time, though, the system can slow down.

The main culprit is a layer called biomat. It’s a slimy coating made of anaerobic bacteria (the kind that live without oxygen) and organic matter. In small amounts, biomat is normal. But as it thickens, it clogs the soil pores and stops water from soaking away.

Traditionally, when this happens, the only fix has been drainfield replacement. That’s why homeowners dread hearing the words “your drainfield is failing.”

But replacement isn’t the only option anymore. Drainfield rejuvenation restores the system’s ability to absorb water by breaking down and consuming the biomat thus bringing the drainfield back to life—without digging up your yard.

Signs Your Drainfield May Be Struggling

Here are the most common warning signs:

• Slow drains inside the house – sinks and tubs take forever to empty, or toilets gurgle when flushed.
• Wet spots in the yard – soggy grass, unusually green patches, or standing water over the drainfield.
• Bad odors – foul smells around the yard or near the tank.
• Backups into the home – sewage coming up in tubs, toilets, or floor drains.
• Seasonal trouble – problems that appear during heavy rain or when you have a lot of guests over.

Tip: If the tank itself is the issue (too full, damaged, or not pumped regularly), a professional will be able to tell. But when the soil around the drainfield isn’t accepting water, biomat is usually to blame.

How RioVation® Fixes the Problem

The key difference between a struggling drainfield and a healthy one is oxygen.

• In a normal septic tank, there’s little to no oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria dominate and produce biomat.
• With RioVation®, oxygen is added to the system, creating an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment.
• Aerobic bacteria quickly multiply, they consume the waste in the tank and eat away at the biomat in the drainfield, restoring the drainfield’s ability to filter water.

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. A RioVation® BioMaze unit is installed inside your septic tank. (the only digging is the install a riser if one is not already there and a narrow, shallow trench for the air line)
2. The unit introduces oxygen into the tank.
3. The bacteria community shifts from anaerobic to aerobic.
4. Aerobic bacteria reduce biomat buildup.
5. Your drainfield regains its natural ability to soak in water.

Why Homeowners Choose This Approach

• Saves money – a fraction of the cost of replacement.
• Quick installation – usually done in a single visit.
• No yard destruction – no excavation or heavy machinery.
• Eco-friendly – extends the life of your existing system.

Imagine two pictures side-by-side:

• Option #1 Replace your drainfield. 

You can replace your drainfield, but you will have to replace your landscaping, sod and irrigation.

• Option #2 Install RioVation® BioMaze®. 

Or you can have a RioVation® BioMaze® unit installed into your tank and let the aerobic microbes consume the biomat.

See the animated video for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast will I see results?

Contractors report systems improving in just a few days to a few weeks. Severe cases can take longer as the biomat gradually thins.

Does this work on every septic system?

It works in most standard septic tanks and drainfields. Your contractor can confirm if your system qualifies.

Is this a permanent fix?

RioVation® extends the life of your system indefinitely by controlling biomat. Regular septic maintenance (like pumping every 3–5 years) is still important.

Do I need permits or approvals?

Your contractor will know what’s required in your state and handle the details.

Can I install it myself?

No. BioMaze is a professional-only installation to ensure code compliance and performance.

What if my drainfield is completely failed?

If the soil is saturated beyond recovery, replacement may be necessary. But in many cases where homeowners think failure has already happened, rejuvenation can still save the system.