An alternative to replacing a failing drainfield can be drainfield vacuuming. Drainfield vacuuming is the process of removing sludge and excess effluent from the drainfield with a vacuum in the septic truck.

The vacuum hose of the truck is connected to the piping system of the drainfield. The solids are removed by using the vacuum and rapid airflow from the pump. Many failing drainfields have been revived by this method over the past ten years.