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Drain Field Maintenance
A very important part of your septic system is your drain field. Your drain field (sometimes known as a leach field) is the area underground on your property where the drain field pipes disperse wastewater evenly from the tank into the soil. This wastewater sinks into the soil where it is then broken down by natural bacteria.
It is very common for septic tank failures to be caused by a drain field issue or failure. When a drain field does not work properly, this wastewater cannot filter and disperse correctly due to wastewater or solid waste buildup in the soil. This causes improper drainage and then problems inside your home.
The best way to prevent drain field problems is regular maintenance and care.
Pumping your septic tank every 1-3 years is recommended and important to ensure proper functionality of your entire system. Keeping heavy objects, machinery, or vehicles off of your drain fields is extremely important. Don't plant a garden or landscape on top of your drain field. Be careful of what is being flushed. Many items such as antifreeze, chemicals, grease and paint can strain your system. Be careful of what is put down your garbage disposal. Perform regular inspections of the entire system.
If the drain field and septic maintenance practices are neglected, drain field and/or septic failure is inevitable. In addition to drain field issues caused by neglect or careless flushing, there are a few other things that can lead to problems with your drain field.
- Excessive water use in the house and/or leaking toilets and drains
- Water runoff from excessive rainfall
- Tree or plant roots penetrating or interfering with the pipes
- Old age
If your drain field is damaged, this issue needs to be addressed immediately as it could not only lead to costly damages within your home, but also cause potential risks to your family and their health.
Just as it is important to have regular septic tank inspection, you also want to make sure the rest of your system is being inspected, like your drain field. It is possible for your tank to be working fine while your drain field is not.
A properly maintained drain field system can last 15-25 years. However, if maintenance of your septic and monitoring of what is put down your pipes is neglected, its lifespan could be significantly shorter. Also, pay attention when you are having housework done. Make sure workers are avoiding the use of heavy machinery on top the drain field. If you are in need of a drain field or septic inspection, or you need to replace your septic system or drain field, give Atlantic Septic a call!