Drain fields are a critical part of every septic system. It is here that fluids from the septic tank are discharged into a pipe system where they leech out into the soil. While it may look that drain fields are all the same, this is not the case, as each drain field is designed based upon the sewage load of the home, which is based primarily on the number of potential occupants of the home and not the number of bathrooms.
Also factored into the design are the soil composition, existing and proposed grades, as well as the number and length of the pipes servicing the drain field. Drain fields are not permitted to have any thing other than grass on them. Trees and plants can have their roots find their way into the drainage pipes, blocking their ability to allow the fluids to flow in the pipe and leech into the soils.
While drain fields can last for many years, it may become necessary at some point to install a new drain field as the drainage pipes fill up over time. Often repairs are necessary as well, especially if heavy equipment has driven over the drain field and crushed a drainage pipe. One of the signs of a drain field issues is a “wet” area in the drain field when it has been dry.
A qualified septic contractor will be able to evaluate your drain field and make the most cost effective recommendation to either replace or repair the drain field, in order to restore the septic system to proper working order. The proposed work will be permitted, inspected, professionally done and most importantly economically.
