The septic field (also called a drain field or leach field) is a critical part of a septic system. A properly designed and installed septic field can last for 30 years or more, but if it is abused it will fail much more quickly. The leach field is a series of perforated pipes buried underground that allow the liquid waste from your home to seep into the ground where it is treated through natural processes.
If the septic field is unable to handle the volume of water flowing from the house, wastewater will begin backing up into the home. Only a little bit of care is needed to prevent this from happening. First, have the septic tank pumped regularly. Septic tank pumping every three to five years is usually enough. Failing to pump the septic tank will allow solid material to flow into the septic field and clog up the system.
While a septic tank can be pumped, there is not a way to clean out a septic field. A clogged septic field is simply abandoned and new leach field will have to be installed. Installing a new leach field is very expensive.
Avoid disposing of paints, grease, solvent and other such materials down the drain. These materials can flow into the septic field and clog the soil around the leach lines causing them to back up.
In addition, don’t drive or park cars on top of the septic field. The area was probably cleared when the drain field was installed making it an attractive area for parking vehicles when there is no room in the driveway, but parking cars over the drain field can compact the soil or cause broken pipes. The same goes for installing an above ground swimming pool, basketball or tennis court, storage shed, patio, or anything else. Leave the area over the septic field clear.
