How to Handle Septic System Repair (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real—nobody wants to deal with septic problems. If you’re searching for “septic system repair near me in Sebastopol,” you’ve probably already noticed some weird stuff going on. Maybe your yard’s soggy for no reason, or your drains are acting up, or something just smells… off.

Whatever the case, septic issues are no joke, and they don’t fix themselves. The good news is with our team you don’t have to panic, and you definitely don’t have to go it alone.

At L.J. Construction, we’ve been helping folks around Sebastopol since 1966. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve fixed it all. So let’s walk through what you should do when your septic system decides to give you trouble.

Step 1: Watch for the Warning Signs

Most septic system problems don’t come out of nowhere. Usually, your system throws up a few red flags first. Here are the common ones:

  • Toilets flushing slow
  • Gurgling sounds coming from your drains
  • Bad smells around the yard
  • Water pooling or soggy patches in weird places
  • Backups inside your house (yikes)


If you’re noticing one, or more of these, don’t wait. The longer you leave it, the worse and more expensive it can get.

Step 2: Skip the DIY – Call a Pro

YouTube makes everything look easy. But trust us when we say that trying to DIY a septic repair is not the way to go. One wrong move and you could damage your system or your yard, or both.

Instead, start with a quick search for septic system repair near me in Sebastopol, and look for a licensed local contractor. A good company will know the codes, have the right tools, and won’t treat your backyard like a construction zone.

Our licensed, insured, and decades-long experienced professionals will ensure your tank is up and running again as soon as possible, not only saving you time, but any financial headaches down the road.

Step 3: Getting a Full Septic Inspection

Once a septic tank pro comes out, our team will do a full septic tank inspection to figure out what’s going wrong. A septic tank inspection can usually involve:

  • Locating your tank and drain field
  • Pumping the tank if needed
  • Checking for cracks, blockages, or tree roots
  • Looking over the pipes, baffles, and filters


Even if things seem okay, getting your system inspected every few years is recommended. It’s like taking your car in for an oil change, cheaper than replacing the whole engine.

Step 4: Your Septic Tank Repair Options

Septic tank problems can vary depending on what’s found; your repair could be as simple as swapping a part or as complex as reworking your drain field, so calling one of our team members should be a high priority. There are some common issues that can occur, however.

Here are a few of the usual suspects:

  • Cracked or clogged pipes – Sometimes they just need to be replaced.
  • Drain field problems – If the soil’s too saturated or the field’s clogged, it might need a redo.
  • Tank damage – Small cracks might be repairable. Bigger ones? Not so much.
  • Broken components inside the tank – Like filters or baffles. These are fixable if caught early.


Our philosophy at L.J. Construction is that we don’t believe in upselling or scare tactics. We want to find the right fix for you and your home that works long-term and fits your budget.

Step 5: How to Keep Your Septic Tank from Breaking Again

Once your septic tank is repaired, you’ll want to make sure the problem doesn’t come back. Here are a few easy habits that go a long way:

  • Only flush toilet paper, no wipes, no trash, no exceptions
  • Spread out laundry loads during the week
  • Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off your septic area
  • Don’t plant trees or shrubs near the tank or drain field
  • Get your septic tank pumped every 3–5 years, even if things seem fine


We also like to take time with our customers and explain what’s going on. That way, you’re not left in the dark the next time something seems off.

Don’t Wait for a Full-Blown Septic Disaster

We get it – nobody loves spending time or money on septic stuff. But ignoring the signs or putting off repairs usually ends up being more stressful and more expensive.

If you’re already searching for septic system repair in Sebastopol, this is your sign to go ahead and get it checked out.

Ready to Get It Fixed?

Call L.J. Construction at (707) 823-0247 or contact us online and we’ll come take a look, walk you through your options, and get your system running smooth again.