Complete Septic Rebuild

When my wife and I bought our 60-year-old home at age 22, we knew we were signing up for a lifetime of repairs—but we didn’t expect a complete septic failure in just our second year. After calling our insurance company, we were told it would take at least two weeks for someone to even inspect the damage. Knowing we couldn’t wait that long, I immediately began tackling the issue myself.

With a $70,000 estimate looming and no outside help on the horizon, I did what I’ve always done when faced with a challenge—I started researching, planning, and heading to Home Depot. What followed was a crash course in excavation, plumbing, and strict adherence to state plumbing codes—a major milestone in my journey as a self-reliant homeowner and problem-solver.

The Problem

There’s nothing quite like discovering 200 gallons of greywater sitting under your house. Our old cast iron septic line had failed, leaking waste beneath the slab and causing significant mold growth and water intrusion—especially in the hallway restroom. The pipe had broken off inside the slab, making access and repair especially difficult. On top of that, the entire area required urgent mold remediation to prevent further damage to the home and our health. It was one of the most intense and unexpected challenges we faced as new homeowners. 

The Fix

To address the root of the issue, I rebuilt the entire septic line from beneath our slab all the way to the septic tank. I upgraded the system to a more durable 3" ABS main line with 2" stem lines, ensuring compliance with the required 1/4" per foot slope for proper flow. I also reconstructed the toilet and shower connections in the hallway restroom, cutting open a section of the slab to replace a damaged 6-foot segment of cast iron. The remaining 12 feet of in-slab cast iron piping was professionally relined to extend its service life and reduce the risk of future failures.

In parallel, I performed complete mold remediation in the crawl space and affected bathroom. This included replacing the subfloor, resealing the tub and shower, and installing new flooring. I also fully remodeled the restroom, removing the outdated, mold-ridden built-in cabinet sink and replacing it with a cleaner, more modern setup. Once the work was complete, I had everything professionally reinspected to ensure full compliance with state plumbing codes and building standards. The project became a turning point in my experience as both a homeowner and hands-on problem solver.

The Finished Product 

I was able to complete all the repairs for just $7,000, including $3,500 for professional pipe relining. In addition to replacing and upgrading the septic system, I installed access panels and additional cleanouts to simplify future maintenance. This entire experience was a massive learning opportunity—one that pushed me outside my comfort zone and proved that with enough determination and resourcefulness, I can take on just about any challenge.