If you are on a septic system, it is a good idea to understand how your system operates so you will be better able to take care of it and so you will know when to call a sewer-septic professional to handle any repairs.
The drainfield is a vitally important part of most septic systems. The waste water from your home first flows into your septic tank where it is held for at least a day or two to allow solid material to settle to the bottom of the tank. The waste water then flows into the drain field which consists of a series of perforated pipes (called leech lines) that are surrounded by gravel ad buried a foot or two below the surface of your yard. The drain field is often called a leech field because it allows the water to leech into the gravel and the into the soil. The wastewater is purified naturally as it slowly leeches through the soil.
Problems with drain fields can be caused by flushing chemicals, paint, solvents, and other materials down your drains. These materials collect in the soil around the leech lines and prevent the wastewater form properly leeching into the soil.
Overuse of the your septic system can also cause drain field problems. If too much water gets into the drain field, it may not leech into the soil fast enough, causing the system to back up and waste water to make its way to the surface.
If you notice any problems with your drainfield, call a sewer-septic contractor with experience in the installation and repair of drainfields.
