Septic tanks are an incredibly reliable method of handling a home’s sewage and waste. The leach field helps the system work as intended and prevents sewage backup and contamination from the underground plumbing. Though most homeowners pay little attention to their septic tank until there’s a problem, the team at MK Enterprises in Kodiak, AK, wants to help you better understand what the leach field is and how it works to keep your septic system running as intended.

What Is a Leach Field?

A leach field is an integral part of your home’s septic system. Each system features a holding tank that keeps both solid and liquid waste from flooding your property. As the solids fill up the tank, the liquid slowly flows out into the leach field. The field then absorbs the liquid waste where the soil helps filter out contaminants, bacteria, and viruses that occur in sewage.

How Do You Maintain It?

Under normal conditions, the septic drainage should absorb into the soil without creating a foul odor or causing any seepage to reach the surface. However, there are some things you need to do to keep the leach field in good condition.

The field is created to provide enough material for the sewage to filter through. If you build any heavy structures on top of it or park your car in the area on a regular basis, you may end up compacting the soil, reducing the effectiveness of the field. When the soil is compacted, you may notice puddles forming at low-lying spots which indicates a leach field failure. Should you notice an increase in moisture or standing water where there wasn’t any before, call an experienced general contractor at MK Enterprises to schedule an inspection.

Whether you’re looking for an experienced sewer installation team to help you prepare for a new construction project or need heavy equipment rental to get the job started, the team at MK Enterprises can help. Visit their website to learn more, and call (907) 486-5537 to schedule a leach field inspection.