You must have come across the other synonyms of the drain field, such as; septic field or leach field. It is one of the most important components of the septic system. The drain field is a network of perforated pipes, which are buried in the trenches, allowing the wastewater to flow from the septic tank to the surrounding soil. As it moves through the soil layers, the wastewater that enters the drain field goes through a natural filtration and purifying process.
Before wastewater enters the groundwater system, the soil functions as a natural filter, eliminating dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other toxins from the wastewater. The type of soil, the size of the drain field, and the volume of wastewater produced by the household all affect how successful a drain field is. For the drain field to continue to be effective and functioning, the septic system needs to be properly maintained and inspected frequently. Go through the article to know more about the maintenance tips to extend the life of the drain field.
Reasons Behind Clogged Drain Field
An essential component of a septic system is a drain field, which is made to filter and treat wastewater that drains from the septic tank. But, if the drain field fills with debris, it might seriously harm the septic system as a whole.
Here are a few typical causes of a clogged drain field:
System Overload: If too much wastewater reaches the drain field at once, the system may become overburdened and clogged. This may occur if the system is overloaded with users or if there is a rapid influx of water due to a strong storm or snowfall.
Improper Waste Disposal: Since they can obstruct the drain field, some wastes should never be dumped into a septic system.
Root Intrusion: If trees are placed too close to the system, tree roots may enter the drain field and obstruct the pipes.
Compacted soil can impede adequate drainage of water and cause clogs if it is present above the drain field.
Age of the System: A septic system’s and drain field’s wear and degradation over time can cause obstructions and other problems. An outdated system needs to be replaced before it becomes seriously problematic.
Any problems with a blocked drain field must be handled as soon as possible because they can result in expensive repairs or even environmental harm.
Consequences of not Cleaning the Septic Tank
A septic tank’s holding capacity may be reduced as a result of sediment accumulation in the tank if maintenance is delayed.
- The pipe feeding into the drain field is clogged, resulting in wastewater backing up into the house
- Failure of the septic system may require expensive repairs
- Water leaching and pollution; slow drains; pooling of water; bad odors; and backing up of wastewater.
To avoid these consequences, it’s critical to regularly clean or pump your septic tank every three to five years.
Tips to Extend the Life of Drain Field
Save water since using it more puts extra pressure on your drain field. Eliminate leaks and refrain from wasting water by not running the faucets or taking long showers.
Be careful what you are flushing down the toilet. Keep grease, oil, chemicals, and other potentially toxic items out of the toilet. These substances have the potential to contaminate groundwater and harm the drain field.
Plan routine septic system pumping and inspections to make sure the system is operating properly. Proper maintenance can stop problems before they become expensive ones.
Avoid planting trees next to the drain field since their roots can encroach on the drain field and harm the pipes. Maintain a safe space between trees, large plants, and the drain field.
Avoid driving trucks or other large vehicles over the drain field since they might damage the pipes and compact the soil, reducing the drain field’s effectiveness.
By implementing these suggestions, homeowners may safeguard the environment, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs, and make their drain field last longer.
Conclusion
Make sure to follow the septic system tips for the drain fields to keep the preventable emergency from interrupting your day-to-day life. If you have any concerns about the septic system, schedule an inspection to identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Crews Environmental has been helping residential and commercial customers maintain their septic systems.
Contact us today or visit us to request an estimate.
