Besides the septic tank, the drain field is the other major component of a gravity-based septic system. The drain field is the leeching area where effluent released from the tank is filtered. Often, when a septic system fails, it’s due to a problem with the drain field. For this reason, it’s important to understand what’s needed to maintain and care for your drain field.
Construction of a Drain Field
The purpose of the drain field is to distribute effluent from the septic tank into the ground, allowing it to be filtered or leeched before it enters the ground water below. To do this, the field must be placed in an area that absorbs water quickly. A perc test is used to ensure that the ground is right for a drain field, plus the field needs to be located away from wells and other bodies of water.
The effluent travels from the septic tank to a distribution box near the drain field, which distributes the effluent to the various pipes leading out into the drain field. Trenches in the field contain perforated piping, which is covered with gravel and a barrier before soil is added on top. Wastewater is then released through these pipes. It’s important the trenches aren’t overused, creating too much effluent and rising close to the surface instead of filtering down into the ground.
Drain fields generally require little maintenance if installed correctly by a septic professional, but it’s essential to protect this area from any vehicle or even foot traffic. If the grass becomes greener above the drain field than in other areas of your lawn, if you notice any odors or see pooling water, call your septic professional immediately to have your system inspected.
Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283
