Septic systems are common in rural areas that are not connected to a municipal wastewater management system. A septic drain field is a critical part of a septic system that is responsible for treating the wastewater before it is released into the environment. If your drainfield fails, it can cause a lot of problems for your home and property, including sewage backing up into the home or leaching out into the groundwater supply.
What Is a Septic Drainfield?
There are two main parts of a typical residential septic system: the septic tank and the drainfield. The septic tank is the first stop for wastewater leaving the home. It is responsible for digesting organic matter and releasing the liquid, known as effluent, into the drainfield (or leach field).
The septic drainfield consists of buried, perforated pipes that distribute the wastewater from the septic tank into the surrounding ground. The effluent enters the drainfield pipes and is distributed evenly through the perforations. The soil filters out toxins and impurities and treats the water before it is released into the environment.
What Causes Drainfield Problems?
A septic drainfield can fail for a number of reasons.
System Overload
The most common cause of failure is when the system is overloaded and cannot handle the volume of wastewater. This can be caused by too many people using the system, or by activities that generate a lot of wastewater (such as laundry, dishes, showers, etc).
Lack of Maintenance
Septic systems require regular septic service and maintenance, including septic tank pumping to continue to function properly. If maintenance is not done, the ecosystem of the entire system can be thrown off, leading to problems in the drainfield.
Poor Design or Installation
Traditional septic drainfields rely on the soil to do the final processing of the home’s wastewater. This requires that the soil is able to absorb and release the effluent consistently. A drainfield that was situated in an area that is not suitable or that was designed incorrectly is a recipe for problems.
Excessive Rainfall
Septic systems should be designed based on the home’s geography, but excessive amounts of rainfall can flood the drainfield. This limits its ability to process wastewater, because the soil is unable to absorb any more water.
How Do I Know If My Drainfield Is Failing?
Problems with a septic drainfield usually appear before there is total failure. Ignoring necessary drain field repairs can ultimately lead to the need for drain field replacement, an expensive and inconvenient project.
Here are a few signs that a drainfield may be having problems:
Septic Backups In The Home
If the drainfield is unable to process the wastewater coming from the home, the septic tank may become overfull. This can lead to septic backing up into the home. This is obviously a serious issue that must be addressed immediately.
Slow Drains
Before septic begins backing up into the home, drains may noticeably slow down as it becomes more difficult for the septic tank to take on any more water.
Gurgling Sounds
As with slow drains, a struggling septic tank can result in gurgling sounds from the home’s plumbing.
Water Pooling Near the Drain Field
Excessive amounts of wastewater being pushed into the drainfield can lead to water pooling on top of or around it.
Unusually Lush Vegetation
Wastewater can have fertilizer properties, so if the grass or vegetation above the drainfield becomes unusually green, it could be a sign that the drainfield is not working correctly.
Foul Odors
A failing drainfield often leads to strong bad smells near the drainfield or near plumbing appliances like toilets and sinks inside the home.
How Do I Fix My Septic Drainfield?
Because the drainfield is such a crucial part of a home’s septic system, it is highly advisable to contact a professional septic company at the first sign of a problem. While there are consumer products that claim to be able to “fix” a septic drainfield problem, there is a significant risk that the problem could get worse if they do not work, leading to the need for a complete drainfield replacement.
A professional will be able to identify the cause of the drainfield problem and recommend appropriate repairs. These solutions can include:
- Removing solids through bioremediation
- Breaking down grease capping (excess grease that has hardened in the pipes) using enzyme additives
- Soil fracturing to loosen compacted soil that is preventing the proper absorption of wastewater
- Cutting and killing roots that have grown into the drainfield and caused problems
- Septic tank pumping and cleaning
If the drainfield problem is severe and unfixable, it may be time to replace it.
Preventing Drainfield Problems
Homeowners can minimize the likelihood that they will experience drainfield problems by following some simple advice:
- Never park vehicles or drive on top of or near the drainfield to prevent the soil from becoming compacted
- Plant only grass or groundcover near the drainfield to avoid problems with roots clogging or damaging pipes
- Avoid flushing fats, oils, and grease down drains to avoid clogging in the pipes or buildup in the drainfield soil
- Do not build anything on the drainfield since this will make repairs difficult and can pack down the ground
- Avoid flushing harsh chemicals, detergents, bleach, or medications to maintain the balance of the septic system
- Get regular septic inspections and septic tank pumping from a professional septic company
Septic Service In & Near Lakeland
When you need a septic company in and near Lakeland, contact Septic and Drainfield Depot. Our team of experienced septic technicians has the experience needed to resolve any of your drainfield problems.
We also offer a full array of other septic services, including septic tank pumping and cleaning, septic inspections, and lift stations. Our services are available 24/7 because we know that a septic problem can arise at any time, and we offer financing options to help with the cost.
Call us at 863-624-6402 today for a free estimate for all your residential or commercial septic needs.
