Your septic system is responsible for many daily household activities from washing clothes to dishes. Since it is put to near-constant use, it's unsurprising that occasional problems might arise. While some of those concerns occur inside the tank, others develop in the drain field. Fortunately, there are several telltale signs that indicate you may be dealing with an issue in this area.

Why the Drain Field Fails

1. Problems With the Septic Tank

When was the last time you scheduled septic tank pumping and cleaning? Ideally, this should be done at least once every three years. Without this necessary step, the tank may eventually build up too much sludge and cause excess waste to flush out into the drain field. In this case, you might notice that the lawn around the field looks especially lush, healthy, and green in comparison to the rest of the grass.

2. Ground Is Too Wet

Oversaturation due to heavy rains can be problematic for the drain field. As the soil absorption zone is flooded, water that was meant to flow away from your septic system is instead, forced back into your plumbing. As a result, you wind up with backed-up toilets and drains. Sewage backups can pose a significant health risk, so it’s best to have a plumbing service inspect the problem as soon as possible.

3. Plants Are Too Close

Be cautious about planting anything too close to the drain field. Some types of greenery will quickly seek the nearest water source, their roots taking hold of the septic system lines leading from the tank into the absorption zone, eventually leading to a blockage in the system. Avoid placing flowerbeds and vegetable gardens in the vicinity. Trees and bushes should be 50 to 100 feet from the drain field to prevent problems.

Is your septic system working as well as it should be? The experts at Cartright’s Plumbing and Septic Service are proud to offer reliable assistance throughout Checotah, OK, and the surrounding areas. If you’re concerned about the condition of the drain field, they’ll perform a thorough inspection to determine the source of the problem. Whether it’s time for septic tank pumping and cleaning, or your system requires repairs, you can trust them to resolve your concerns with minimal intrusion. Visit them online for details or call them at (918) 894-0902 to schedule an appointment.