How do I know if I need a new septic system?

Signs like frequent backups, wet spots in your yard, or bad odors could mean your system is beyond repair. We will inspect and let you know the best option.

Can you install a system on a small or tricky lot?

Yes. We can install custom solutions and offer space-efficient system designs when needed.

What types of systems do you install?

We install everything from gravity-fed to pump-assisted systems, including ATUs, sand mounds, and drip irrigation setups depending on your property.

SludgeHammer Service in Elkhart IN

For property owners seeking a SludgeHammer septic service in Elkhart, Indiana and Surrounding Areas we offer proven aerobic retrofit solutions for failing systems. We believe in saving septics with science. Many homeowners face the nightmare of a clogged drain field and assume they need a massive excavation. Instead of destroying your yard we can install a SludgeHammer unit directly inside your existing tank to rescue your property.

The installation process is straightforward and protects your landscaping. We dig a small trench for the airline and drill a hole through the tank riser to seal it with a gasket. The airline goes inside the riser and connects to the main unit. We then set the SludgeHammer device inside the septic tank and install the specialized bacteria bag. Watch the video below to see our exact installation process in action.

SludgeHammer Benefits Breakdown

Drain Field Recovery

The specialized bacteria actively consume the thick biomat layer that clogs your soil and restores proper water absorption to your yard.

Total Odor Elimination

The highly oxygenated environment digests organic waste rapidly which stops foul sewage smells from taking over your property.

Low Maintenance Operation

This setup provides reliable low maintenance wastewater treatment compared to highly complex mechanical alternatives.

Septic Drain Cleaning

Clears buildup and blockage in lines leading to or from the tank or drain field.

Massive Cost Savings

Rescuing your existing setup prevents the heavy financial burden of a complete drain field replacement and extensive landscape restoration.

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In Depth Look

Aerobic Retrofit Solutions for Failing Systems

Rejuvenating Your Soil Biology

Your traditional tank operates without oxygen. This causes a slow digestion process that eventually creates a thick clogging sludge called a biomat. A SludgeHammer unit changes this biology completely. A small compressor pushes air through the airline into the submerged unit inside your tank. This constant oxygen feeds the bacteria bag.

These specific bacteria multiply rapidly and digest the solid waste at an incredible rate. The treated oxygen rich water then flows out into your drain field and actively eats away the existing biomat that is clogging your soil. This scientific process clears your pipes and restores your system without requiring heavy machinery.

The Biomat Problem

Traditional setups operate without oxygen. This causes a slow digestion process that eventually creates a thick organic sludge. This biomat clogs your soil and stops wastewater from draining properly.

The Negatives

Restricts proper liquid drainage
Causes pooling water outside
Creates foul sewage smell

The Oxygen Solution

The SludgeHammer unit changes your tank biology completely. We install a small air compressor that feeds oxygen directly into the submerged device to stimulate rapid waste digestion.

The Results

Introduces constant airflow
Speeds up solid breakdown
Prevents new sludge buildup

The Bacterial Cleanup

A specialized bacteria blend lives inside the unit and thrives on the new oxygen supply. These hungry bacteria multiply rapidly and flow out to eat the existing clogging layer in your yard.

Lasting Effects

Consumes the thick biomat
Restores soil percolation
Saves the existing infrastructure

Turd Ferguson

Ben and company came out today and did a few repairs on my septic as well as a pumping. They came in a $100 cheaper than originally estimated and made the repairs quickly. I would recommend them for either pumping or repairs.

Norbert Reis

Highly recommend A&R. Jacob is extremely knowledgable in the the different types of septic systems from standard to Sludgehammer to Eljen which was very helpful in determining the type of system needed for a septic repair.

Cory Marlow

These guys are incredibly knowledgeable and extremely efficient. Great problem solvers as well! 5 stars easily. Best in the biz!

Erin Swary

Jake and Ben at A&R Wastewater Management were amazing! We needed immediate assistance with our Sewage Pump/float and they were fast, efficient and kind. They saved us a lot of money, whereas another company was looking to get over on us. Ben answered all of our questions & couldn’t have been any nicer. We are very appreciative and will definitely use them for any of our future needs. We highly recommend them to anyone with Septic or wastewater problems. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Colleen Johnston

A&R did a fantastic job! They answered all our questions and really knew their job inside and out.

Ryan Christoph

We recently had to have our Septic system relocated in our yard - A&R Wastewater Management did a fantastic job and was very reasonably priced considering the size of our project. Jacob was great to work with; he was prompt and thorough with any questions we had, and they had the job completed in two days. Jacob also came back the next day to go over all the tasks that were done and to ensure we were 100% satisfied with the job performed. I highly recommend A&R Wastewater Management for any of your septic needs!

Carl Fitz

After several years of chemotherapy drugs being dumped into my septic system my septic field failed. Jacob designed and installed our new system. From the time Jacob started digging he had our system installed and back filled within 24 hours. Not only is Jacob the owner, but he did the installation too! I highly recommend A& R Waste Management for septic pumping or septic installation.

Lynn Chiu

First class service. Was able to get scheduled and serviced within 24 hours. Danell was very professional and did a great job fixing our issues. Appreciated A&R’s communication and flexibility. Will definitely recommend them to my friends.

Ashton Applegate

Did a fantastic job with our new septic! Filled in holes perfectly !

Lilia Summers

The team with A&R were amazingly professional and communication was always open. They delivered the equipment the day prior and the day of service it was quick, professional, and problems were communicated and dealt with efficiently. Very personable as well! Would recommend!

Why We Choose SludgeHammer

Elkhart's #1 SludgeHammer Experts

We partnered with SludgeHammer to bring advanced biological technology to Elkhart County. Many failing setups simply suffer from a thick clogging layer in the soil. Instead of destroying your yard with heavy machinery we install this unit directly into your existing tank. It uses oxygen and specialized bacteria to clear your pipes and restore your drain field percolation naturally.

Learn More

Why Choose A & R Wastewater Management

Proven Biological Science

Repair Instead of Replace

Cost Effective Installation

Our Process

Our Process for SludgeHammer installs

Compressor Placement and Trenching

We install a small air compressor up near the house and dig a shallow trench to run the airline over to the tank.

Riser Preparation

We drill a hole directly through the tank riser and install a proper gasket to ensure the entry point is completely sealed. We then feed the airline through the riser.

Unit Placement

We carefully lower and set the SludgeHammer unit directly inside your existing septic tank.

Final Connections

We connect the airline to the device and install the specialized bacteria bag inside the unit to begin the biological treatment process.

Our Past Work

SludgeHammer On Sight

Frequently Asked Questions

SludgeHammer FAQ

What is a SludgeHammer septic system?

A SludgeHammer unit is an aerobic retrofit designed to save failing wastewater setups. We install the device directly into your existing tank to introduce oxygen and specialized bacteria. This combination breaks down thick biomat sludge and restores proper drainage to your yard.

How does an aerobic retrofit save money?

Installing an aerobic unit provides massive preventative savings by rescuing your current drain field. Instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars for heavy excavation and a complete system replacement you rejuvenate the existing soil biology for a fraction of the cost.

Do I need to dig up my yard for installation?

No heavy excavation is required. We dig a very small trench for the compressor airline and install the main unit directly through your existing tank access riser. This process protects your landscaping and resolves the biological problem quickly.

Ask a question about your drain field or request a SludgeHammer quote today.

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Connect with Our Wastewater Experts

Got questions or interested in our services?
Feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Contact info

We look forward to hearing from you!

Got questions or interested in our services? Feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Call Us

Toll Free (866) 674-5779 Main (574) 674-5779

Email Us

service@arwwm.com construction@arwwm.com

Office & Shop

3611 Cassopolis Street 55910 Currant Road Elkhart, IN 46514 Mishawaka, IN 46545

Emergency Service

Toll Free (866) 674-5779