Not all septic systems use the same types of drain fields. The soil composition in the area used for the drain field is one of the major factors in determining the type of drain field used with a septic system. Below is a list of the different types of drain fields that might be installed for a septic system.
Conventional System
The conventional drain field is constructed by digging trenches that fork out from the distribution box. A perforated drainpipe is laid in the trenches and the trenches are filled with gravel. A barrier is placed over the gravel prior to placing the topsoil over the trenches. This keeps the soil from sifting down into the gravel and impeding the water flow.
Drip or Low Pressure Pipe System
This system uses small, perforated tubing that is located very close to the ground surface. The wastewater flow is controlled with periods of rest so as not to oversaturate the soil. The wastewater is dispersed through feeding the root systems of the grass growing over the drain field and through evaporation.
Spray System
A spray type drain field is one that actually sprays water out over the ground surface through sprinkler heads. These systems involve a series of treatment tanks that the effluent is processed through before reaching the spray heads.
Sand Mound System
The mound system is often used when the soil conditions or water table do not allow for a conventional drain field. In this drain field there is a ‘dosing’ tank between the septic tank and the mound system. The dosing tank distributes the wastewater into the sand mound at timed intervals.
