Understanding What a Drain Field Is
Any home with a septic system understands it only works with a properly prepared and well-kept drain field. After all, when the wastewater that has made it out of the various toilets and drains around the house has already gone through the septic tank, it is the drain field where it finally collects, percolates, and is further broken down by microorganisms in the soil. The drain field is the final step before it can go back to the groundwater and start the cycle all over again.
But while it seems simple, passing through the drainfield - otherwise known as a leach field - is not completely error-free. There are possible complications to this last step, so homeowners looking to avoid encountering a problem with their septic systems may want to pay attention to the following drain field issues and how they can be prevented.
The Problem With Tree Roots
Trees, plants, and other foliage are often a welcome addition to any home; however, they are known to cause problems in homes with septic systems. This is because tree roots can grow into and invade drain field lines and septic pipes, causing problems that can range from mild to severe. They can create blockages and clogs, cause pipes to sink, and even puncture them open in search of water - creating cracks, gaps, and holes that, in turn, cause damaged pipes and leaks in the system.
To avoid this, experts recommend landscape planning to keep trees and plants from growing near the septic leach field. If trees and plants are already near the leach field, then a possible fix would be to install root barriers to separate the drain field area from where the plants can take root and grow unimpeded.
Incorrect Waste Disposal Practices
Septic systems aren’t designed to handle certain waste materials. They need beneficial bacteria to effectively break down waste from the water that drains out of the home - bacteria that are likely to get killed off when improper waste disposal practices persist at home. Hygiene products that get flushed in the toilet, grease, and oil poured down the kitchen drain, and even the excessive use of the garbage disposal all contribute to leach field problems.
Homeowners who don’t want a nasty, foul-smelling backyard would do well to prevent this by ensuring that only human waste, a modest amount of toilet paper, and a reasonable quantity of food waste get into the septic tank. Doing this would allow them to avoid facing clogs, drain field damage, or even a costly visit from septic system service professionals.
Avoid Parking Cars on a Drain Field
Another common problem with leach fields is the issue of soil compaction. Because a drain field’s primary purpose is to allow bacteria in the soil to treat the wastewater and return the treated effluent to the groundwater, the field needs to be loose as this allows for percolation. However, homeowners often lose track of where their drain fields are exactly, causing them to park cars, equipment, or heavy items onto the drain field and causing the soil to become compact.
While a compacted leach field can be remedied, the process will likely require professional septic system services. It can become quite expensive, so the better option would be to avoid soil compaction entirely by mindful awareness of the drain field location and actively avoiding it or by putting markers that will help homeowners remember where not to park their vehicles.
About Capital City Septic Services
Capital City Septic Services provides septic tank maintenance, repair, installation, and emergency services throughout Leon County and the Tallahassee metro areas. Their team of experts works fast and provides friendly yet professional service that offers personalized solutions to virtually every septic tank concern. Call them today in Tallahassee, FL, for septic services.
