FindLocal-SewerSeptic

If your septic system and drain field are working the way they should, you may not even know they are there. There are no foul odors, standing water or sewer backups, just a well-performing system. Unfortunately, when something does go wrong, your drain field will be one of the first places you will begin noticing a problem. If not fixed quickly, you could have an expensive septic failure on your hands.

Causes of Drain Field Problems

You will know there is problem with your drain field if there is standing water, a bad smell or the grass is much too green in that portion of the yard. A backed up sewer line can also be a sign of drain field issues. Unfortunately, it is not as easy to find the cause of the problem and get it fixed as it is to notice that one exists. Some of the common causes include:

• Poor soil absorption. If the soil has been compromised and is no longer absorbing quickly, your drain field may need repair or replacement. This can be caused by the use of some chemicals that bond with the clay in the soil and limit absorption.
• Clogged drain field pipes. The pipes that release waste water from the distribution box into the drain field are perforated with small holes. These can get clogged by various items that don’t dissolve, including certain tablets or pills.
• Thick biomat. A biomat that has become too thick can actually create a barrier that prevents absorption into the soil of your drain field.

Drain field problems can be complicated and should be addressed by a septic professional. As soon as you notice a problem, call in a professional to inspect your drain field and septic system before a small issue ends in a large and expensive repair.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

Keeping a functioning drain field is essential to ensuring your septic system is working correctly. If the drain field is no longer able to filter effluent from the septic tank, the entire system can be compromised. There are two main signs that there may be a problem with your drain field: poor draining of the effluent and sewer backups. If you have these issues, you need to begin to troubleshoot what is causing the problem.

Common Drain Field Issues

There are a few different reasons that a drain field is not draining or is backing up. Before you call a septic professional, try checking a few septic functions to narrow down the problems. Some areas to check include:

• Damage to drain spouts. If a vehicle or other heavy equipment has drove over the drain field, your pipes may have been crushed. Check for damage to the pipes.
• Full tank. Has your tank been pumped recently? A full tank can overflow into the drain field.
• Tree roots. Have trees or shrubs grown larger near the field? Roots can grow into your pipes, causing a clog.
• Clogged drain pipes. If non-biodegradable materials have been allowed down the drain, these items can clog the small holes in your drain field pipes.

Some ongoing issues that can cause drain field problems include overuse of garbage disposal, too much grease allowed down the drains and under-sized septic tanks. Although you can troubleshoot these issues on your own, you will want to call in a septic professional to fix the problem. They can repair the immediate problem and give you advice on how to overcome ongoing drain field problems.

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