While your septic tank needs regular attention and is important to the functionality of your system, an equally pivotal part of your septic system is the drain field. After your septic tank separates the sludge and scum from the liquid wastewater, known as effluent, that water is sent into your drain field. Once in the drain field, the effluent is discharged onto porous surfaces where it slowly, naturally percolates through the soil into the groundwater. Problems with drain fields can lead to back-ups and problems with the rest of your system.
To help you prevent major problems with your drain field, here are some key things to avoid:
- Crushing: Many drain fields have been damaged due to excessive weight on top of the field. Vehicles and building structures can crush pipes or compact the loose soil.
- Trees: Its best to keep a safe distance between trees and your drain field. The roots can cause cracks or clogs in the drain field pipes.
- Overdue maintenance: Like many things in life, if you don’t attend to your septic system, problems will occur. Regular maintenance of your septic tank prevents buildup of sludge that can get in and around your field.
- Excess water: A running toilet, dripping faucets, or an overworked system can cause flooding to your drain field. Avoid drain field damage by seeking repairs quickly. Also, if you are regularly overworking your system, consider investing in a second septic tank.
Here at Tampa Bay Septic, our company may be new, but we have over two decades of experience helping install, repair, and maintain all things septic. To learn how to best maintain drain fields and the rest of your system, contact us today.