Building a Successful Drain Field

Creating a solid, durable drain field depends on many factors. Many homes and businesses have had drain fields that last for decades, yet other drain fields fail in just a few years. How long your septic drain field will last is dependent on how and where it is built as well as how it is maintained. To make your drain field last, you need to start by building one correctly from the very beginning.

Drain Field Building Requirements

A drain field needs certain conditions to be viable and withstand decades of use.  First and foremost, location is critical; the wrong conditions will ensure that it will fail. A professional septic service that is experienced in installing quality drain fields that offer longevity will test for certain requirements before beginning installation, including:

  • Top soil and gravel. For any drain field to work successfully, the right types of soil and gravel must be used to cover the field.
  • High water clearance. Drain fields must be placed in an area that has high water clearance and is safe from flooding.
  • Size. The drain field must be large enough to handle the runoff from the tank, taking into consideration the soil percolation rate.

If installed correctly, a quality drain field can last for decades without any back up issues or septic failures. Of course, maintenance and proper use of the septic system is critical in maintaining a healthy, viable drain field. Before you begin, make sure to secure an experienced septic service professional with a solid reputation for quality workmanship. Getting your drain field installed right from the beginning is the key to building a successful drain field that will last for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Septic Drain Fields 101

Besides the septic tank, the drain field is the other major component of a gravity-based septic system. The drain field is the leeching area where effluent released from the tank is filtered. Often, when a septic system fails, it’s due to a problem with the drain field. For this reason, it’s important to understand what’s needed to maintain and care for your drain field.

Construction of a Drain Field

The purpose of the drain field is to distribute effluent from the septic tank into the ground, allowing it to be filtered or leeched before it enters the ground water below. To do this, the field must be placed in an area that absorbs water quickly. A perc test is used to ensure that the ground is right for a drain field, plus the field needs to be located away from wells and other bodies of water.

The effluent travels from the septic tank to a distribution box near the drain field, which distributes the effluent to the various pipes leading out into the drain field. Trenches in the field contain perforated piping, which is covered with gravel and a barrier before soil is added on top.  Wastewater is then released through these pipes. It’s important the trenches aren’t overused, creating too much effluent and rising close to the surface instead of filtering down into the ground.

Drain fields generally require little maintenance if installed correctly by a septic professional, but it’s essential to protect this area from any vehicle or even foot traffic. If the grass becomes greener above the drain field than in other areas of your lawn, if  you notice any odors or see pooling water, call your septic professional immediately to have your system inspected.

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