Many homeowners stay on top of septic system maintenance but forget about their drain fields. This adjacent area plays the final, critical role in waste treatment, and when compromised, can create costly problems. Sticking to professional guidelines is the best way to protect your drain field, and the following rules provide an excellent starting point.

Do:

Divert water from the drain field.

The drain field is the soil adjacent to your septic tank. Treated waste is fed through a perforated PVC pipe, and the treated waste is released into the soil. When this soil becomes oversaturated, the drain field won’t work correctly. 

To avoid this problem, make sure gutters and sprinklers are diverting water away from the area. If it’s near a grade, you may want to reshape your lawn or dig a trench so runoff is directed toward the street.

Allow “good bacteria” to do their job.

Your septic system and drain field rely on countless “good bacteria” to treat waste. When they’re disrupted, waste may not be fully broken down in the tank and released in the drain field, which can cause blockages and backflow.

Many homeowners make the mistake of flushing commercial septic system products down the drain to improve the bacteria’s health. However, many of these solutions can actually cause problems, which is why it’s best to leave the bacteria alone to do their job.

Don’t:

Plant around the area.

Landscaping around your drain field can result in septic damage. Thirsty roots may travel to the septic line looking for moisture and break into your tank. They may also interfere with waste treatment in the drain field, so make sure deep-rooted plants, shrubs, and trees are well away from the drain field.

Drive over the drain field.

Driving over the drain field will add too much weight to the soil and compress it. Waste won’t be able to evaporate, which can cause it to flow back into the septic system. Never place anything heavy on top of the drain field, including landscaping machines, cars, RVs, motorcycles, or construction equipment. This will help you avoid soil compaction.

If your drain field or septic tank is showing signs of wear, the professionals at A-1 Septic Tank & Drain Service will thoroughly inspect the system and make the necessary repairs to restore its function. For five generations, the team has served clients throughout Tate County, MS. They’ve provided high-quality septic services, including grease trap cleanings, drain clearings, and pumping. From water jetting to high-powered pumps, these professionals are ready to restore your septic system. Call (662) 233-4565 or visit them online to browse their services.