Building a Successful Drain Field

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Drain Field
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Creating a solid, durable drain field depends on many factors. Many homes and businesses have had drain fields that last for decades, yet other drain fields fail in just a few years. How long your septic drain field will last is dependent on how and where it is built as well as how it is maintained. To make your drain field last, you need to start by building one correctly from the very beginning.

Drain Field Building Requirements

A drain field needs certain conditions to be viable and withstand decades of use.  First and foremost, location is critical; the wrong conditions will ensure that it will fail. A professional septic service that is experienced in installing quality drain fields that offer longevity will test for certain requirements before beginning installation, including:

  • Top soil and gravel. For any drain field to work successfully, the right types of soil and gravel must be used to cover the field.
  • High water clearance. Drain fields must be placed in an area that has high water clearance and is safe from flooding.
  • Size. The drain field must be large enough to handle the runoff from the tank, taking into consideration the soil percolation rate.

If installed correctly, a quality drain field can last for decades without any back up issues or septic failures. Of course, maintenance and proper use of the septic system is critical in maintaining a healthy, viable drain field. Before you begin, make sure to secure an experienced septic service professional with a solid reputation for quality workmanship. Getting your drain field installed right from the beginning is the key to building a successful drain field that will last for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Identifying Drain Field Problems

January 26th, 2016 Posted in Drain Field
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Is your home or business on a septic system with a drain field? A properly working drain field is essential to avoid septic system failures that can cost several thousand dollars to repair or replace. Your drain field can work perfectly for years with no issues, making it easy to become complacent on regular inspections. However, identifying drain field problems early can prevent system failures and save you money. Here are a few signs to look for to catch drain filed issues before they become big problems.

  • Outdoor odors. If your drain field is working right, you shouldn’t have a bad odor around your home. If you catch a hint of sewage smell in the air, it is time to take a closer look at your drain field to determine if that is the source of the odor.
  • Pooling water. Although your drain field is constantly receiving waste water, if it is doing its job, the water should be immediately draining into the soil. Pooling water is one of the first signs that there is a problem within the drain field and you should call your septic professional.
  • Greener grass. Greener grass is not always a good thing. When the grass above your drain field is a deeper green than the rest of the lawn, you may be having a drain field issue. Too much waste material could be fertilizing the grass on your drain field, creating the greener grass but eventually it could lead to septic failure.

At the first sign of a drain field issue, call your local septic repair company. They can do a full inspection and get the source of the problem before it becomes worse.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Is Biomat Harming Your Septic Drain Field?

December 2nd, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
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To function correctly, your septic tank and drain field need to maintain a delicate bacterial balance. For your drain field to be able to drain and filter the wastewater coming from the septic tank, the water must be able to freely flow through the soil. When the delicate bacteria balance is interrupted, a biomat can grow over the top of the drain field, leading to septic failure.

What is Biomat?

To put it simply, biomat is an organic substance that grows from the solid waste and bacteria that are allowed to leave your septic tank. This layer of organic material begins to grow from the edges of your drain field, eventually covering the entire field with a thick, organic mass that prevents waste from penetrating through into the soil. As more septic waste comes onto the biomat, it feeds it, causing it to grow. This layer has a foul odor and can often be visible as a slimy, dark film over the drain field.

How Biomat can Harm Your Septic System

Once a biomat has formed, it can begin backing up your septic waste and cause a complete septic failure. If allowed to progress, it can result in needing a new septic system installed, which can be very expensive. To prevent biomat formation in the drain field, you need to focus on caring for your septic tank bacteria balance.

If your septic tank is breaking down solids correctly, the wastewater going into the drain field should be the right bacterial balance. This allows wastewater to drain properly and will not result in a biomat. To keep your septic system and drain field running smoothly, schedule annual maintenance service and inspections for your septic system with your local septic service.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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Is Your Drain Field Telling You it Is Sick?

October 27th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
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Day in and day out, your septic system and drain field are hard at work disposing of waste from your home. You may even forget you have a septic system since everything always seems to keep going on like clockwork. However, you need to pay attention to small signs that should be alerting you that there is a problem. Your drain field needs just the right conditions to work properly or it can malfunction and lead to a major septic failure. Here are some signs your drain field may be sick and needs repair right away.

  • Slow or clogged drains. Does it seem like you keep getting clogged drains or they seem slower than usual? It may not be in your plumbing at all, but instead be a sign that you septic is backing up due to a drain field problem.
  • Toilet issues. An overflowing toilet is usually a sign of a clogged drain as well, but not always. If you continuously have toilet issues, it is a hint that there is an issue with your septic system or drain field.
  • Bad odor. Even though your drain field cleanses waste, it should not smell foul. A bad odor is a bad sign and should warrant a call to a septic professional for an inspection.
  • Green, green grass. Has the grass above your drain field suddenly flourished, turning a brighter green than the rest of your yard? While it may look nice, it is not a healthy sign for your drain field.

If you notice any of these signs, or see excess water pooling above your drain field, call your local septic service. You may have a major issue with your drain field that needs immediate attention to prevent an expensive septic failure.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Avoiding Drain Field Backups

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
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One of the most common issues in a septic system is a drain field backup. This generally occurs when a biomat forms on top of the drain field, preventing the right absorption of effluent into the soil. There are many reasons this can happen, most caused by how the dwellers in the home use their septic system. With a few changes within the home, many drain field problems can be easily avoided, saving costly repairs.

Water Use

One of the biggest contributors to failing drain fields is too much water use in the home. This is especially common in homes with a smaller septic tank than is needed for the size or occupancy of the home. Took much water causes the tank to fill too quickly, not allowing for the sludge to form. Solution? Reduce the water use in the home by using water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

Chemicals

Chemicals and ingredients in many household cleaners can damage the bacterial composition of the septic system, helping create the clogging boimat in the drain field. Avoid dumping those cleaners down the drain and use cleaners formulated to be safe for septic systems.

Disposal of Waste

Certain food waste like fats, grease and oils should be kept out of the septic system, along with food particles that are slow to degrade like fruit or vegetable peelings. Also, anything non-biodegradable needs to be thrown away, not flushed down a toilet. This includes feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, baby wipes and other bathroom items.

Another way to avoid drain field backups is to ensure your tank is pumped regularly and your system is inspected for any problems. Make sure to schedule regular maintenance with your local septic company to avoid costly drain field emergencies.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Common Drain Field Problems

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
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If your septic system and drain field are working the way they should, you may not even know they are there. There are no foul odors, standing water or sewer backups, just a well-performing system. Unfortunately, when something does go wrong, your drain field will be one of the first places you will begin noticing a problem. If not fixed quickly, you could have an expensive septic failure on your hands.

Causes of Drain Field Problems

You will know there is problem with your drain field if there is standing water, a bad smell or the grass is much too green in that portion of the yard. A backed up sewer line can also be a sign of drain field issues. Unfortunately, it is not as easy to find the cause of the problem and get it fixed as it is to notice that one exists. Some of the common causes include:

  • Poor soil absorption. If the soil has been compromised and is no longer absorbing quickly, your drain field may need repair or replacement. This can be caused by the use of some chemicals that bond with the clay in the soil and limit absorption.
  • Clogged drain field pipes. The pipes that release waste water from the distribution box into the drain field are perforated with small holes. These can get clogged by various items that don’t dissolve, including certain tablets or pills.
  • Thick biomat. A biomat that has become too thick can actually create a barrier that prevents absorption into the soil of your drain field.

Drain field problems can be complicated and should be addressed by a septic professional. As soon as you notice a problem, call in a professional to inspect your drain field and septic system before a small issue ends in a large and expensive repair.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686


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Troubleshooting Drain Field Problems

April 30th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
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Keeping a functioning drain field is essential to ensuring your septic system is working correctly. If the drain field is no longer able to filter effluent from the septic tank, the entire system can be compromised. There are two main signs that there may be a problem with your drain field: poor draining of the effluent and sewer backups. If you have these issues, you need to begin to troubleshoot what is causing the problem.

Common Drain Field Issues

There are a few different reasons that a drain field is not draining or is backing up. Before you call a septic professional, try checking a few septic functions to narrow down the problems. Some areas to check include:

  • Damage to drain spouts. If a vehicle or other heavy equipment has drove over the drain field, your pipes may have been crushed. Check for damage to the pipes.
  • Full tank. Has your tank been pumped recently? A full tank can overflow into the drain field.
  • Tree roots. Have trees or shrubs grown larger near the field? Roots can grow into your pipes, causing a clog.
  • Clogged drain pipes. If non-biodegradable materials have been allowed down the drain, these items can clog the small holes in your drain field pipes.

Some ongoing issues that can cause drain field problems include overuse of garbage disposal, too much grease allowed down the drains and under-sized septic tanks. Although you can troubleshoot these issues on your own, you will want to call in a septic professional to fix the problem. They can repair the immediate problem and give you advice on how to overcome ongoing drain field problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Septic Drain Fields 101

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
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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

 

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Protecting Your Septic Drain Field

November 19th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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One of the most important components of many septic systems is the leach or drain field .For a septic system to work correctly, wastewater released from the septic tank must be quickly absorbed into the soil within a drainfield, which naturally cleans the water as it travels through the soil. If the process is interrupted in any way, it can cause the drainfield and, by extension, the entire septic system to fail. For this reason alone, it’s of vital importance that homeowners take particular care of their drainfield area.

Tips For Maintaining Your Drain Field

If you have a septic system with a drain field, you need to be aware of what’s happening in and near the area. There are several factors which can affect your drain field, causing it to flood, back up or become unbalanced. However, if properly maintained and protected, a drain field can last for 20-30 years. Some ways to protect your drain field include:

  • Do not drive or walk on the area. Your drain or leach field needs to be left undisturbed. The pipes connecting it to the septic tank are located right beneath the surface. Restricting this area, keeping vehicles and even those on foot away from the somewhat delicate pipes is an important part of protecting your drainfield.
  • Divert excess rainwater. Too much water can destroy your drainfield. Divert water from house gutters and other run-off away from the drain field area so your septic system doesn’t become overwhelmed.
  • Keep tree roots away from the area. Tree roots are naturally attracted to the moist soil of a drainfield, and are also one of the most common culprits when it comes to septic damage. Don’t plant trees or large bushes near your drainfield or septic system to keep roots from penetrating your septic pipes.

As a homeowner, you should always be keeping an eye on your drainfield. Be aware of any excess water, effluent accumulating on the surface and foul odors, all of which are signs of drain field problems that should be addressed by your septic professional.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

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What Is A Percolation Test For Septic Systems?

November 19th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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If you are looking to buy or own rural property to build on, you may have heard that you will need a percolation test done on the property. Before a traditional septic system can be added to a piece of property, the law requires that the soil be tested for absorption. This is referred to a percolation or perc test, which evaluates how quickly water is absorbed into the earth. A failed perc test means that a leach or drain field cannot be used on the property, requiring alternative options for installing a septic system.

How A Perc Test Is Performed

Anyone can perform a perc test; however, to have a septic system installed, most states or local authorities will require that a perc test is done by a certified professional. The test records how quickly the soil absorbs water, usually by creating a hole filled with water, then timing how long it takes for the water level to lower. To past this test, soil should drain at a moderate rate, not too quickly or too slowly. This is to ensure that waste water released from the septic system into the drain or leach field will be absorbed into the soil, being cleansed before it enters the groundwater below.

What Happens If A Perc Test Fails?

If you have a perc test performed on the property and the test fails, there are still other options for installing a septic system. Although these other options may be more complicated and possibly more expensive, they may be worth exploring if the property is a desirable spot to build a home or business. Talk to your local septic professional to discuss what septic options are available in your area in the case of a failed perc test.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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