If you’re like most homeowners, you may have only a cursory understanding of your septic system and how it works. Making a point of learning a bare minimum about the system is one of the best ways to prevent future problems, especially when it comes to your drain field.
The drain field removes contaminants and impurities from the waste water after it flows through your septic system, the last phase of ensuring that waste water is safe to enter the supply of groundwater. The ecosystem of a drain field is a very specific and balanced one, though it’s essentially very simple. Perforated pipes in a series of trenches are surrounded by a porous material like gravel, which is then covered by soil to protect it from surface runoff and outside interference.
Signs of Trouble in Your Drain Field
One of the most common signs of a failed or failing septic system is a swampy, marshy area of the drain field that does not dry up, even in sunny weather. Unusual smells, spots of exceptionally green or healthy grass and visual evidence of organic waste emerging through the drain field are also reliable signs of septic system trouble.
Maintaining Your Drain Field
With proper attention and regular maintenance, most drain fields will still function efficiently twenty-five to thirty years after installation. In addition to making a point of keeping trees, shrubbery and other large plants away from your drainfield, you should also be sure to work closely with a licensed septic system professional for routine inspections and maintenance purposes.
An experienced septic system specialist is trained to spot trouble brewing in your drain field, and to help you prevent common problems by addressing them before they get out of hand. Contact a sewer and septic professional in your area to arrange an inspection for your system, including your drain field, and to discuss routine maintenance in order to keep your system in peak condition.
Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic
