What You Need to Know About Your Septic System’s Drain Field

Drain fields are critical components of a modern septic system. Their job is to handle, treat and dispose of the liquid waste that leaves the septic tank. A well-built drain field can last as long as 50 years, but a lot of things can go wrong with it in that time.

Lakeland Septic Company of Lakeland, FL, would like to share some helpful information about drain fields and how to keep yours running efficiently and safely.

Drain field installation in Lakeland, FLDrain Field Operation 101

Waste from all the drains in a home moves into the septic tank. There, the waste separates. Solids remain in the tank to be acted upon by bacteria and eventually cleaned out; the liquid effluent moves on to the drain field.

In the drain field, the liquid is processed and then sent into nearby soil.

Is Your Drain Field Acting Up?

Problems with drain fields are usually easy to spot. If effluent can’t get into or out of the field, you may notice:

  • Soggy ground near the drain field or septic tank
  • Foul odors outside or inside the home
  • Slow sink and shower drains
  • Sluggish or backed-up toilets

These signs could also point to an issue with the septic tank or another part of the system, so if you notice any of them, schedule a septic system inspection.

Common Causes Of Drain Field Damage

Drain fields aren’t installed very far beneath the ground’s surface and are therefore vulnerable. The function of a drain field can be impaired by the following.

Roots

Tree and plant roots can invade the drain field and cause major damage. Avoid planting things with aggressive root systems close to the drain field.

Crushing

Heavy vehicles and machinery driven over a drain field can crush parts of it. Don’t drive or park heavy things on top of the drain field.

Compacted Soil

If the ground around the drain field is too hard, it won’t be able to absorb the liquids released by the field. Have the soil aerated or replace it with softer soil.

Clogged Pipes

Pipes leading from the septic tank to the drain field can become clogged and cause sewage backups. If this is the problem, you’ll need to have it inspected and resolved by a septic service provider or a plumber.

Oversaturation

Heavy rainfall and excess property watering will add a lot of water to the soil around the drain field, making it difficult to absorb liquids from the field. Don’t over-water the area, and keep an eye out for drain field problems (as listed above) during times of heavy rain.

septic system maintenance in Plant City, FL

Drain Field And Septic System Maintenance

The very best thing you can do for your drain field and septic system is to schedule regular inspections and tank pumping. Your septic service technician will advise you on the optimal pumping schedule based on the size of your tank and the volume of waste it processes.

Septic inspections can focus on certain components or the entire system. Annual inspections allow you to spot early signs of problems and get them fixed before they become major.

The Help Your Drain Field Needs

Lakeland Septic has provided drain field and septic system service to folks throughout the Lakeland, FL, area for more than 15 years. We offer complete system inspections, repairs, septic tank pumping and general maintenance services by trained and qualified technicians.

Speak with a septic system expert by phone, or use our simple contact form.