Drain field restoration is important to the overall functionality of your septic system. A failed sewage system means wastewater is not going where it should go, and it is ending up somewhere else (like in your yard, or back into your house).
When you flush your toilet, wash dishes in the kitchen sink or take a shower, the waste leaves your house into the septic tank. This container lies underground and is invisible. It holds the waste long enough to separate the solids (sludge) that go to the bottom from the oil or grease that float to the top. Then the liquids (effluent) leave the tank into the drain field.
Next the soil absorbs the effluent, and it changes into nutrients before it is released into the underground. The drain field decides the amount of waste that enters the soil. If your drain field isn’t functioning, this wastewater won’t reach the soil, but rather returns to the septic tank or floods your yard.
How do you know that you need drain field restoration?
You know your leach field is not functioning properly when any of these signs start to appear:
Sewage smells
Water pooling in the yard
Soggy areas
Grass getting greener over the drain field
Slow drainage in toilets and sinks
There are a few drain field restoration techniques to repair a malfunctioning septic system.
Restoring a failing drain field
Use biological or chemical additives. These additives have bacteria strains that help absorption to start again.
A Mechanical aeration process. This process lets the bacterial waste break down faster inside the septic tank and that means less waste flowing into the drain field.
When to replace your drain field
If your drain field fails completely then you are only left with one option, replacing it. But septic specialists would fully inspect your septic tank before suggesting a replacement.
Avoiding issues and problems with your septic system is the best course of action. Here are some recommendations to maintain your on-site sewage system:
A septic tank should be pumped out once every three to five years on average.
Have your septic tank inspected regularly.
Use biodegradable toilet paper that does not clog pipes and breaks down easily.
Do not overuse water inside the home like in showers or laundry.
Never throw non-biodegradable items down the sink like diapers, condoms, female hygiene products or cigarettes.
Do not drive your car over the drain field.
Avoid planting trees or plants near the septic tank or leach lines.
If you have any issues with your leach field, talk to Septic Works today at 843-962-6363
We will send our experienced septic specialists to assess the situation and address it in a timely and cost-effective manner to avoid any bigger problems.
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