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3 Tips To Help Prevent Drain Field Failure

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Your drain field is an important part of your septic system, absorbing processed waste for your house into the soil. A failed drain field can thus be a major cause for worry, as it can lead to effluent from your septic system being discharged above ground. This can cause foul smells and a possible health hazard in your home compound. In this article, you will learn different tips and tricks to help avoid drain field failure and hopefully prolong the life of your septic system. 

Have your septic tank maintained

The septic tank is directly linked to the absorption area, and problems in the tank could lead to a failed drain field. For starters, have your septic tank pumped frequently to remove excess grease and solids that aren't broken down, as they could end up clogging the soil in your drain filed.

You should also have your septic tank baffles checked for failure and replaced if damaged, as they can allow inadequately treated effluent to end up in the drain field, clogging the soil or even contaminating nearby streams and ponds. Finally, avoid using excessive drain field or septic tank additives, as they can alter the bio-mat formation in the system, causing solids to be held in suspension and end up clogging the absorption area.

Stay away from the drain field

A common cause of early drain field failure is constant foot or vehicle traffic over the absorption area. This can compact the soil over the drain field, damaging pipes and thus affecting the absorption of effluent into the ground.

Traffic can also compact the soil in the drain fled, rendering it incapable to soaking up effluent. You should make sure that there are no driveways or footpaths over the drain field area to prevent damage that would necessitate costly repairs. 

Don't block or seal the drain field

Construction of structures such as decks or paving over the absorption area could be problematic, as it can block oxygen intake into the soil and also reduce the evaporation of rainwater and effluent, which is vital to preventing soil saturation.

You can also break or dig into piping in the ground during construction or compact the soil around the drain field area. It is advisable that the drain field area be only covered by grass for easy access during repairs. Planting trees or deep rooting bushes near the drain field area is also not advisable, as roots can easily damage piping and reduce evaporation in the absorption area. Contct a service contractor, like Clogbusters, for more help.


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