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Septic drain fields are the last stop for wastewater. Therefore, it is important that these drain fields work effectively in removing contaminants and impurities. If your drain field is damaged is should be repaired immediately to avoid letting contaminated water seep into the soil or flow into the ocean.

In this article we recognize 5 of the top problems with drain fields.

1. Solid Objects and Sludge Leaving the Septic Tank Without Proper Treatment

The severity of the damage caused to the septic system depends on the type of waste making out of septic tank. If the pipes in drainage field are clogged with non-biodegradable plastic solids such as small shreds of sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, diapers, etc, then you might have to replace the whole drainage system.

However, the good news is that in most of the cases drain field problems are caused by bio-degradable solids. Such solids build up to a point that the drainfield cannot handle the volume of water entering the system. The goal of repairing a damaged drain field is to remove the solids stuck in drainfield drainage pipes. Then providing enough bacterial activity, through septic tank enzymes to breakdown the remaining solids stuck in drain field’s piping, seepage bed and the surrounding soil.

2. Grease Capping

Letting grease in your drains can cause problems for the entire septic system. Since it is water-soluble, grease can be especially damaging to the drain fields. It mixes in the wastewater and escapes septic tanks. Once in the drain field, grease cools down and solidifies causing a “grease capping” to form. This capping blocks oxygen from reaching the field and provides a hurdle to the biological process.

3. Compacted Soil

Drain fields work by filtering wastewater through a process known as ‘percolation’. The sand and gravel bed surrounding the field allow water to pass through while separating it from dirt. However, if the soil compacts, pores that allowed water to pass get blocked resulting in water hold up. This is caused by placing heavy objects such as vehicles on top of the drain field.

Compacted soils can be fixed with special equipment such as “soil fracturing” equipment. Soil fracturing allows the percolation process to start again.

4. Clogged Drain Fields From Tree Roots

Your drain field is the perfect condition for trees and shrubs to grow. Even tree roots in areas adjacent to the drain field reach out towards it in search of water and nutrients. Tree roots can block the percolation process or damage the pipes in the field. To repair such a problem, you can make use of specialized root cutting services providers. They use root cutting equipment or apply chemical solutions that kill roots under the ground.

5. Slime Build Up In Septic Tank

Finally, if your septic tank does not get regular cleaning, it can accumulate slime and sludge that fills it up to the point where the slime starts to overflow towards the drain field and its pipes. This is dangerous because once the slime seeps into the drain field it causes the pores in pipes to clog. As explained above, this leads to flooding and permanent damage to your drain field.

Such a situation can be repaired by regular pumping of the tank and applying oxidizing solutions to the drain field.