When it comes to your septic system, the drain field cannot be overlooked. Since it’s one of the most essential parts of treating your home’s wastewater, it’s important to learn the basics of drain fields.
Here are some key points you’ll want to know when it comes to your drain field:
What are drain fields?
Your drain field, also called a leach field or leach drain, is tasked with evenly dispersing treated wastewater through perforated lines or pipes that run beneath a flat, open, unsaturated area of your lawn. The wastewater is then filtered through a porous material — typically soil, sand, or gravel — to remove bacteria and viruses.
How do you care for drain fields?
With proper installation and maintenance, drain fields can last between 20 and 25 years. To keep your drain field functioning smoothly for as long as possible, you’ll want to have your septic tank inspected and pumped periodically. It’s also recommended that you not drive or park cars, grow deep-rooted plants, or divert water runoff over the drain field area.
How do you know your drain field needs to be fixed?
A drain field in decline will exhibit some warning signs. You may observe the lawn above your drain field looking sunken, flooded, soggy, or unusually green. Other telltale indicators include foul odors, frequently needing to pump your septic tank, and slow-draining plumbing fixtures.
If you’re interested in learning more about your drain field or want to address your drain field repair or replacement needs, feel free to call us at Tampa Bay Septic!