Common Drain Field Problems

October 8th, 2017 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Common Drain Field Problems

Your drain field is an integral part of your septic system, the last phase of cleansing your waste water. Most drain fields are comprised of a distribution box, outlet pipes and a soil filtration system that distribute waste water from your septic tank into the ground. When one or more component becomes blocked or damaged, it can cause a backup and a complete septic failure. Here are some of the common problems that can occur in the drain field and how to prevent them.

Broken Pipes

If any of the pipes in your drain field are damaged, the waste water will not distribute evenly. Prevent broken pipes by keeping vehicles and other heavy equipment away from your drain field. Weight can cause damage to these small pipes and cause backups and other issues.

Pipe Clogs

The pipes in your drain field are perforated to allow the waste water to flow out and into the soil. These small holes can be clogged with debris that escapes the septic tank. Pills and other small objects that do not easily breakdown should never be put down your drains to avoid these clogs. Tree roots can also create clogs; never plant trees near your drain field.

Grease Caps

Too much fat or grease in your waste water can cause a grease cap to form over your drain field. This can cut off the oxygen flow to feed the bacteria that need to break down the effluent entering the soil. Do not put fat or grease down your drains to avoid this issue.

If you notice an odor coming from your drain field or a bio-mat forming over the area, call your local septic service company. Also, have your drain field inspected annually to ensure everything is in good working order to prevent emergency backups.

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

, ,
Read More

Is Remediation the Answer for Your Failing Septic System?

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
Comments Off on Is Remediation the Answer for Your Failing Septic System?

Your septic system relies on a balance of bacterial and mechanical factors to function properly. While you can have the mechanical aspect routinely inspected and maintained, the bacterial component can be more difficult to manage. Anaerobic systems rely on anaerobic bacteria to slowly breakdown waste solids in your tank. However, these same bacteria can cause the formation of bio-mat in your drain field that can lead to septic failure. Remediation is one option to stop this process and turnaround a failing septic system.

Septic remediation uses an aerobic bacteria generator to change the bacterial balance in your septic tank. Although anaerobic bacteria can work for decades to maintain a healthy septic system, over time they can produce a slimy substance that can clog your drain field. This can create a bio-mat that covers your drain field, making it difficult for effluent to be absorbed by the soil. This problem can be solved with the use of an aerobic bacteria generator.

These generators are placed in the septic tank and add oxygen to the tank, creating aerobic bacteria that feeds off the sludge and solids. These bacteria also flow out with the effluent to the drain field and begin consuming the slime and bio-mat that are clogging the filtration process. Just by adding this component to your septic system, you can often fix a failing septic system and extend the life of your system for many years.

There are many different aerobic bacteria generators available through septic service professionals. One of the top options is the Aquaworx Remediator. Talk to your local septic service company to see if remediation can save your failing septic system.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

, ,
Read More

Identifying Drain Field Problems

January 26th, 2016 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Identifying Drain Field Problems

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

, ,
Read More

Is Your Drain Field Telling You it Is Sick?

October 27th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Is Your Drain Field Telling You it Is Sick?

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

, ,
Read More

Avoiding Drain Field Backups

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Avoiding Drain Field Backups

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

, ,
Read More

Did Your Drainfield Grass Stay Green All Summer?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Did Your Drainfield Grass Stay Green All Summer?

By late August, many lawns are withering away under the hot summer sun, turning yellow and brown in the heat. If you noticed that the grass above your drain or leach field stayed green all summer, however, it may not actually be a good sign. Flourishing grass looks great, but it’s also one of the signs that there may be a problem in your septic system’s drainfield, which may need immediate repair before it fails completely. 

Signs Of Drainfield Problems

Greener grass in the area of your lawn covering your drainfield isn’t the only sign of a potential problem. There are several indicators which should be taken as a warning it’s time to call a local septic professional. Should a drainfield fail, it will more than likely need to be completely replaced, at high costs to homeowners. If problems are detected and addressed early, though, repair is generally an option. Some signs, in addition to abnormally healthy grass, to be aware of include: 

  • Odor. One of the easiest to detect and most noticeable signs of impending failure is the distinct odor a drainfield gives off when it’s not working correctly. If you catch a whiff of unpleasant odor on the breeze, you may want to take a closer look at your drainfield.
     
  • Wet areas. The reason for the green grass during the hottest months of the year may be attributed to excess moisture on the ground surface. Although great for the grass, it is not a good sign for your septic system, as that water should be draining down through the field. 

If any of these signs are present, call your septic professional for a full inspection. There may be options to fix the system instead of replacing, which can save you thousands of dollars.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

Preventing Septic Drainfield Failures

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Preventing Septic Drainfield Failures

The drainfield  is one of the most expensive components of a septic system, both during the initial installation and for repairs. Once a drainfield is in place, it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to ensure  the drainfield isn’t compromised by a poorly functioning or maintained septic tank, filter and aerator.  By keeping your entire septic system maintained, you can avoid expensive drain field failures and keep your entire system working smoothly for years to come.

Maintaining A Healthy Drainfield

To keep your drainfield working properly and to prevent failures, one of the most important factors is keeping your bio-mat in balance. The bio-mat is the biological mat that accumulates in the bottom and sides of your drainfield trench. This “mat” is made up of  microorganisms which live in organic material found in the septic wastewater. If the bio-mat becomes too thick, or out of balance, it can stop absorption into the drainfield soil below, causing a drainfield failure or septic backup.

To keep the bio-mat balanced , your septic tank must be maintained. Septic tank problems can cause excess organic material to be diverted into the drainfield, giving the bio-mat the food it needs to grow. Some of the ways to prevent septic tank problems that can lead to excessive organic materials are:

  • Regular septic tank pumping
  • Prevent harsh chemicals, like bleach and other cleaners, from getting into your septic system
  • Keep grease and fats out of drains
  • Have regular maintenance performed on septic tank, filters and aerators

The best way to protect your drainfield is to watch what materials you allow to go into the septic system and to maintain your septic tank. If it has been more than a year since you have had your septic system inspected or serviced, call your local septic professional now to schedule an appointment.

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

Google

, ,
Read More

Leach Fields 101

December 19th, 2012 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Leach Fields 101

Understanding the inner workings of a septic system can be quite complicated for the layman, but there are things that you’ll need to understand if you’re considering or just completed the purchase of a home with a septic system. The leach field, also called a drain field, is a network of trenches and pipes that are surrounded by gravel and a layer of soil to protect it from animals and environmental disturbances.

The leach field removes contaminants from the liquid that leaves the septic tank, allowing for disposal of organic materials with the assistance of the surrounding microbial ecosystem. Leach field failures are usually the result of intestinal bacteria that finds its way into the leach field, where they take hold and begin to secrete a substance called biomat. That substance, a mucal slime that begins to thicken over time, can eventually begin to inhibit the flow of liquid through the leach field.

The result is a rise of odorous waste to the surface and a fully clogged leach field. Pipes can also be broken or clogged by the roots of trees growing nearby, construction activity on your property or driving a vehicle over the leach field. Failure to pump a septic tank in a timely manner can also cause an accumulation of sludge and organic solids, which will contribute to the growth of biomat. A sewer-septic contractor can assess the problem and offer possible solutions for drain field repairs to restore proper septic system function, as well as addressing any issues that could be contributing to damage of the leach field or septic system failures.

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services