Whether you’re moving into a new home with a septic system or thinking of installing one, you may have some questions about its different parts. One of the most critical components of a septic system is the drain field (sometimes also referred to as a leach field).
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your septic system and how it works, and the drain field is a great place to start! There are several different types of drain fields, each with its own benefits.
What Is A Drain Field?
A drain field is a shallow excavation in the soil that’s filled with a porous material like gravel or rocks. Waste liquid (called effluent) flows into the drain field and naturally filters through the earth and the porous materials. The drain field is covered with a layer of soil to keep effluent contained and prevent animals from drinking it.
There are several different types of drain fields, but the simplest and most common is the conventional drain field design. However, if your property has very hard or rocky soil or your septic system is too close to groundwater, you may need an elevated seepage bed system.
Dry well systems are just like the conventional type, but they don’t use pipes. Otherwise, the design is basically the same. The newest and most advanced drain field is the chamber style which uses a plastic chamber instead of gravel or rocks.
Drain Field Installation
Whether you already have a septic system or you’re installing one for the first time, you may need to add a drain field to your property. Installing a septic system can be a big project, even if it’s just the drain field.
First, technicians will do a thorough inspection and evaluation of your property. They’ll consider the soil type, grade, and size drain field you need. Then, depending on the local regulations, you may have to submit plans and get permits for the job. That’s why it’s so important to trust a local septic company that’s familiar with the requirements.
Next, your technicians will assist you with designing the right drain field for your property. Once all the planning is complete, they can get to work turning the plans into a reality. The result will be a reliable and cost-efficient drain field and septic system.
Drain Field Repairs
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your septic system in good working order, but sometimes you still may need repairs. And if your drain field fails, you could end up with sewage backing up into your home or overflowing into your lawn. So you’ll always want to take action as soon as you notice any signs of trouble.
In most cases, if the effluent is backing up into your home or you see liquid pooling in your yard, there is usually an issue with the drain field. It could be due to clogged drain lines or damage to the lines from tree roots. Ideally, the problem can be resolved by repairing the lines. However, in severe cases, a repair may not be possible, and lines may need to be replaced.
Over time, the drain field may not work as it should. However, you may be able to perform drain field rehabilitation to resolve the issues.
What is Drain Field Rehabilitation?
Drain field rehabilitation can repair problems and enhance your drain field’s efficiency. Rather than building a new drain field, you may be able to get more life out of your existing system rehabilitation.
There are several different types of drain field rehabilitation, and the best one for your system will depend on your setup and what kinds of problems you’re dealing with.
Rehabilitation can include jetting and mechanical aeration to clean out pipes and create new drainage lines in the soil. Alternatively, it may involve additives to help improve the chemical balance in your drain field.
More extensive rehabilitation may include installing vents and clean-outs to help prevent effluent from backing up or using Terralift to add air into your drain field’s soil to improve draining.
Trust All Septic & Sewer With Your Drain Field Installation, Maintenance, And Repairs
Having experienced and trustworthy professionals only a phone call away makes a huge difference when you’re dealing with septic problems. Whether you need drain field repair services or want to extend your drain field’s lifespan with rehabilitation, All Septic & Sewer will be there to help.
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