A key part of any septic system is the drain field, sometimes referred to as the leach field. It receives the pre-treated effluent from the septic tank and further treats the wastewater before it’s distributed to the surrounding water table. Unfortunately, septic services are regularly called out to deal with failing drain fields that are overflowing onto lawns. Here are some of the common reasons these fields fail and what can be done to prevent or repair it.

How Do Drain Fields Commonly Fail?

1. Oversaturation

The biggest reason for drain field failure is too much wastewater flowing into it at once. This causes the drain lines to remain saturated, resulting in a slimy, bacterial mat along the trench walls that doesn’t allow water to seep through properly. When you move into a home that uses a septic system, it’s important to determine how much wastewater the tank and field can handle at once. If your household uses more than this amount, you’ll have to install a larger tank or risk having this occur often. 

2. Excessive Solid Accumulation

When solid waste enters a septic tank, natural bacteria works to break it down. However, the tank will typically need pumping every three to five years to prevent this buildup from growing too high. If this maintenance is not followed, the waste will flow into the drain field and could overflow onto your yard. This is not only unsanitary, but it will also clog the drain lines, leading to a complete breakdown. Avoid all of these problems by scheduling annual septic service inspections to determine how quickly your tank is filling with sludge and scum.

3. Heavy Weight Over the Area

Driving vehicles over the drain field or performing construction work in the area can crush the pipes and compact the soil. This damage is often very costly to repair, so it’s important to identify the full perimeter of your septic system. If you need help pinpointing its full location, have a professional septic service perform a survey of your property. In some instances, they might also have enforcement solutions if you absolutely have to pave over the area. 

Following a septic maintenance schedule is the best way to prevent any of these drain field issues from occurring. When it’s time to have your tank pumped or inspected, contact the experts at Green Acres Septic Tank Service. This family-owned and -operated company provides quality septic services to Callaway County, MO, and the surrounding area. Visit their website or call them today at (573) 529-6706 for a free estimate on septic repairs or cleaning.