Septic Tank Repair/Replace Vancouver, Washington

Septic Tank Repair/Replace Service in Vancouver, Washington

At Proline Plumbing & Sewer, we provide complete septic tank installation and replacement services for properties without access to municipal sewer systems. From system design to permitting, excavation, installation, and inspection, our team ensures your septic system is properly sized, expertly installed, and compliant with code requirements.

Selecting the Right Septic System

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when determining the best type of septic system for your home or business. Our septic specialists will help you evaluate your property’s natural geography, water usage, and site layout to design a system that meets local regulations, fits your budget, and provides reliable long-term performance. With several system configurations available, we’ll guide you through each option and ensure you feel confident in selecting the solution that is the best fit for both your budget and your individual property's needs.

1. Conventional (Gravity-Fed) Septic System

This is the most common and traditional type.

• How it works: Wastewater flows from the home into a septic tank, where solids settle and liquids exit into a gravel-filled drain field for natural filtration through the soil.

• Best for: Properties with adequate soil depth and good percolation.

• Pros: Simple, low-maintenance, and cost-effective.

• Cons: Not suitable for properties with poor drainage or high groundwater levels.

2. Chamber System

An evolution of the traditional system that replaces gravel trenches with plastic chambers.

• How it works: Effluent flows from the septic tank into interconnected plastic chambers that allow it to seep into the surrounding soil.

• Best for: Areas with variable water tables or where gravel is hard to obtain.

• Pros: Easier installation, reduced material needs, and good oxygen exchange.

• Cons: Requires careful installation to prevent chamber collapse in unstable soils.

3. Pressure Distribution System

Used on properties where gravity flow alone isn’t sufficient.

• How it works: A pump distributes wastewater evenly throughout the drain field via a pressurized network of pipes.

• Best for: Sloped or shallow soils.

• Pros: More uniform effluent distribution, preventing oversaturation.

• Cons: Slightly higher cost and more components to maintain.

4. Mound System

Designed for areas with shallow soil, high groundwater, or bedrock close to the surface.

• How it works: Effluent is pumped into a sand-filled mound that sits above ground level, where it filters before reaching the natural soil.

• Best for: Sites with poor soil or drainage.

• Pros: Effective in challenging soil conditions.

• Cons: Visibly raised profile, higher installation cost, and more maintenance.

5. Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)

A more advanced system that uses oxygen to accelerate wastewater breakdown.

• How it works: Air is pumped into the treatment chamber, promoting aerobic bacterial activity that cleans the water more efficiently before discharge.

• Best for: Small lots, environmentally sensitive areas, or properties near waterways.

• Pros: Produces cleaner effluent, suitable for reuse in some systems.

• Cons: Requires regular maintenance and electricity to operate.

6. Recirculating Sand Filter System

Used when soil absorption is limited or local regulations require advanced treatment.

• How it works: Wastewater is filtered through a sand bed before being recirculated or discharged to the drain field.

• Best for: Areas where soil cannot adequately treat effluent.

• Pros: Excellent treatment performance.

• Cons: Higher maintenance and installation complexity.

7. Drip Distribution System

A modern, efficient solution using drip irrigation tubing.

• How it works: Treated wastewater is pumped through small-diameter drip lines laid just below the surface, evenly distributing effluent.

• Best for: Irregularly shaped or wooded lots.

• Pros: Minimal disruption to landscaping, even distribution.

• Cons: Requires filtration and routine maintenance to prevent clogging.

8. Constructed Wetland System

A natural, eco-friendly alternative that mimics the treatment processes of wetlands.

• How it works: Effluent flows through a vegetated bed where plants, microbes, and soil filter and treat wastewater.

• Best for: Environmentally conscious homeowners with adequate space.

• Pros: Low energy use, aesthetically pleasing.

• Cons: Requires significant space and ongoing vegetation care.

9. Evapotranspiration System

Designed for arid climates where water doesn’t percolate easily into the soil.

• How it works: Wastewater is collected in a sealed bed where it evaporates or is taken up by plants.

• Best for: Desert or semi-arid regions.

• Pros: Conserves groundwater and eliminates discharge.

• Cons: Not suitable for wet or cold climates.

Modern Tank Design & Efficient Treatment

Today’s systems often feature multi-chamber tanks for improved treatment.
The first chamber handles solids, while the second provides further clarification before water flows to the drain field.
Our expert installation services ensure:

• Proper baffle placement
• Correct inlet and outlet alignment
• Maximum treatment efficiency

Precise Excavation & Drain Field Installation

Proline's in-house excavation and drain field installation services are performed with precision and safety in mind.
We use our specialized excavation equipment to:

• Maintain correct tank elevation
• Protect underground utilities
• Prevent settling or stress on system components

Drain fields are designed around your soil’s absorption capacity, using perforated pipes, gravel beds, or chamber systems to evenly disperse treated water. For challenging sites, pressure distribution systems ensure consistent flow across the entire field.

Replacement & Upgrades

When replacing an old or failed septic system, there are some factors our team will take into consideration.

• We must first diagnose any existing septic issues
• Determine if full replacement or partial system upgrades are needed
• Work with the property owner to determine what septic solution is the best fit for their specific needs and budget 
• Properly decommission abandoned tanks to avoid safety and contamination risks

Permitting & Compliance

At Proline Plumbing & Sewer, we strive to make every step of the process as simple and stress-free as possible for our customers. From start to finish, our experienced team handles all aspects of permitting, documentation, and inspections, ensuring that every detail is properly managed. Our septic specialists bring extensive knowledge of local regulations and industry standards, guaranteeing that your system is installed with precision, fully compliant with all codes, and built to operate efficiently and reliably from day one.

Quality Installation & Final Inspection

We go beyond standard practices to ensure system longevity, including:

• Proper pipe slopes and secure tank anchoring
• Installation of access risers for easy maintenance
• Comprehensive testing and septic inspections before activation

Final inspections confirm watertight integrity, proper drainage, and compliance with local plumbing code.

Site Restoration & Homeowner Education

After installation, we restore the property with proper grading and erosion control. We also provide homeowner guidance on:

• Responsible waste disposal
• Water conservation practices
• Recommended Routine pumping schedules
• And routine maintenance schedules

With proper education, homeowners can prevent common issues from occurring, like overloading their tanks, grease buildup, and chemical interference.

Why Choose Proline Plumbing & Sewer

At Proline Plumbing & Sewer, we’re committed to delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible septic solutions. From ongoing septic maintenance services to full system replacements, our licensed septic experts ensure your wastewater system performs reliably for decades.

We’re proud to offer 24-hour emergency repair services to keep your system running when you need it most.

Looking for a quote to install a new septic system? Call our office today to speak with a member of our friendly staff. They will answer any questions you have to help determine which service is right for you. Do you prefer booking online? No problem! We are excited to announce that Proline now offers an online booking feature for your convenience.