What is a Drain Field?

Are you in the Lakeland area and have a septic system? Have you heard the term “drain field” used when discussing it? Are you wondering—what is a drain field? Why does a septic system have a drain field? How do they work? It can be confusing to non-experts. Don’t fret—we are here to clarify what a drain field is for you. Keep reading, and we will explain.

The Drain Field

Let’s start by defining what a drain field is; It’s a vital part that your septic system can’t function without. When wastewater exits your house, it flows through pipes and into the septic tank. Your septic tank is a ponderous container with large amounts of sewage and wastewater. As the sewage collects in the septic tank, it decomposes and runs towards the drain fields. There is an array of downward-running pipes that travel from your septic tank. Each pipe is lined with rocks or gravel. The soil in your yard performs a natural filtration process, which purifies the waste before it seeps into the groundwater.

Where Do Drain Fields Flow?

The location and size of a drain field depend on several factors, such as the amount of wastewater to be treated, the kind of soil in your yard, and available space. A drain field is commonly made up of multiple trenches or the bed above. It is lined with gravel or dense sand and covered with soil.

Why is a Drain Field Necessary?

Your septic system wouldn’t work without the series of down-facing pipes extending from your septic tank. Backups into your septic tank would result in a putrid and nauseating smell in your yard that would drive people away.

How Do You Know If Your Drain Field Isn’t Working?

If you see an unusually lush green grass over your septic tank, it’s probably because the drainfields aren’t operating correctly because they’re fertilizing the lawn so well. What happened? The dirt in your drain field can become blocked or oversaturated, leaving nowhere for the wastewater to run off. How does it occur? It’s because of the high amount of use that is not routinely serviced.

The Location of Your Drain Field

Locating your drain field may involve obtaining documents that recount the installation and location of your septic system or using a qualified septic service to determine its location. Why is it important to know where your drain field is? So that you won’t place heavy machinery, a vehicle, or an addition to the house over it. It also lets you determine if there are any trees and shrubs nearby that could lead to a root blockage.

Lakeland Septic Knows Drain Fields

If you live in the Lakeland or Polk County areas and want to ensure your septic system and drain fields are in good order, contact us today. We will be happy to discuss having your septic system inspected and pumped. Get in touch today before a foul sewage backup occurs in your home.