For homeowners who currently have a septic system in place or are moving to a home with one, it’s not always clear how all of the equipment works.
Sure, most individuals understand the overarching point of having a septic system is to break down and store the waste from their homes. What they don’t comprehend, however, is the function of each septic component.
This is probably why many homeowners are confused about the difference between a drain field and a leach field.
Well, it may be surprising to learn that there’s no difference at all!
In the argument of drain fields vs. leach fields, they are simply different words for the same septic device. Some people even refer to this area as an absorption field.
To help you better understand the role of the drain field in your septic system, All Septic & Sewer has everything you need to know about this vital piece of the puzzle.
What Is A Drain Field?
Your drain field, or leach field—whichever you’d prefer, is a shallow excavated area on your property that consists of a network of soil, pipes, trenches, and gravel. Once solid material is removed from your home’s waste in the septic tank, the liquid wastewater, otherwise known as effluent, is released into the drain field.
Once the effluent hits the drain field, it makes its way down to the soil level, where it undergoes natural filtration. From there, it becomes a part of the groundwater supply.
Tips On How To Care For Your Leach Field
As you can see, the drain field is a vital part of any septic system—it’s essential to take care of it the best you can. In addition to overall septic system maintenance, like septic pumping, All Septic & Sewer suggests these tips as a way to keep your leach field performing the way it should be:
- Don’t plant anything but grass over your drain field. Roots from other types of trees, bushes, and plants can clog the system.
- Avoid flooding your leach field. This means keeping roof drains, sump pumps, and other water drainage systems away.
- Never park your car or drive over your drain field, as this can damage the pipes, tank, or other parts of the system.
Signs Of Drain Field Problems (And Getting The Help You Need)
If you start to notice signs of leach field failure, it’s crucial to get help as soon as possible. Some indications there might be a problem with your drain field include slow draining tubs and toilets, gurgling sounds in your plumbing, standing water near and around the drain field, or bad odors.
Before you hire just any team of drain field experts to oversee the maintenance and repair of your system, make sure you’re working with an experienced company you can trust. If you want the top-notch service you deserve, All Septic & Sewer is here to help.
Call our expertly-trained leach field technicians today at (888) 541-6680 or fill out our online form to schedule an inspection.
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