Many homeowners understand what their septic system does, but only some know how it works. Several parts and components, including the leach field, make up your septic system. This area is also sometimes called the drain field, absorption field, or septic drain field.
While the leach field may not be as well-known as the septic tank, this area is vital to the septic system. And if it’s not operating correctly, you could have some major problems.
Understanding what the leach field is, what it does, and how to keep it working correctly is critical to keeping your septic system healthy and operational for years to come.
What Is A Leach Field, And How Does It Work?
The leach field (or drain field) is a shallow excavation in the soil that works to filter waste liquid, known as effluent, from your septic system. The area is filled with underground pipes and porous materials like rocks or gravel with a layer of soil over the top.
Drain fields, or leach fields, work alongside the septic tank. When waste leaves your home, its first stop is the septic tank which separates solids, oils, grease, and other materials from the liquid sewage. These solids are stored inside the tank while the liquid (effluent) moves through the system and to the leach field.
You may be surprised to learn that the leach field treats most of the sewage that leaves your home. As liquids enter the underground drain field, porous materials like rocks, gravel, and sediments filter the waste as it percolates through the soil.
Then, when it passes through the materials and into the ground, natural processes help to remove bacteria, pollutants, nitrogen, and other unwanted contaminants.
Types Of Leach Fields
There are several types of leach fields, each with its own benefits. Some more advanced systems use added measures to treat the waste liquid as it moves through the leach field. Still, the most common system is the basic conventional design. This underground system uses gravel to filter effluent down into the soil.
Other septic drain field designs include:
- Mound or Elevated Seepage Bed System: Best for very hard or rocky soil where a conventional leach field may be challenging to build. This is also ideal for properties where a traditional leach field would be too close to the groundwater supply.
- Dry Well System: With this design, the field is lined with finely crushed rocks or gravel, and pipes are used in this underground system.
- Chamber-Style System: This system uses a plastic container (chamber) instead of filling the leach field with gravel or rocks. It’s typically cheaper to build but may not last as long as the other drain fields.
How To Protect And Care For Your Leach Field
Caring for your septic system is vital to keeping you, your family, and your neighbors safe and healthy. That includes protecting your leach field and ensuring that it’s functioning correctly.
First of all, it’s important to know where your drain field is located. It may not always be obvious, so take the time to inspect the area. If you’re unsure, you can always have a septic professional help you locate, inspect, or perform maintenance on the drain field.
Once you know where your leach field is located, ensure you don’t plant any shrubs or trees in the area. Root systems can grow into the drain field and clog it up or cause damage. You also want to avoid parking vehicles on the leach field or driving over the area.
Another way to keep your leach field functioning correctly is to point downspouts from your home and irrigation systems away from the area. You don’t want to divert excess water into the drain field because it can prevent the system from working properly.
Contact All Septic & Sewer For Leach Field Troubleshooting, Repairs, And Restoration
A problem with the leach field can cause big problems for your septic system, including backups into your home, slow drains, or pooling in your yard. If you notice any of these issues, you’ll want to have someone come out and diagnose the problem right away.
The professionals at All Septic & Sewer have years of experience and can help get your system back up and running quickly and efficiently. So, call us today, or contact us using our online form to set up a consultation.
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