A drainfield, or leach field, is a septic system component that contains porous materials like sand and gravel. Unsaturated soil lies at the bottom of the leach field. Pretreated wastewater passes through the drainfield, which helps eliminate harmful bacteria. Then, the treated water percolates the unsaturated soil into underground aquifers. Given the important functions of a drainfield, you will need to maintain yours accordingly. One way of achieving this is through septic tank drainfield repair. However, you will want to know the potential drainfield issues to deal with them accordingly. Here are the common drainfield problems that require repair.
Soil Compaction
The sand or gravel in the drainfield should be loose to all wastewater to flow freely. However, above-ground pressure from heavy machinery or a building above your drainfield can cause soil compaction, preventing proper drainage. Hence, you may notice water pooling around your septic system. Also, the trees of large trees and shrubs may cause soil compaction.
Besides, the roots may extend towards your drainfield and cause your drainfield to crack. In this regard, determine your leach field's location before building structures like parking lots. Additionally, plant grass and avoid large trees with deep-rooted systems. This protects your leach field against damage, minimizing septic tank drainfield repair needs.
Drainfield Blockage
At the top of your septic system lies a T-shaped outlet that allows wastewater to drain out of the leach field and solids to sink at the tank's bottom. Nevertheless, scum and sludge may accumulate in the septic tank and spread to the drainfield over time, causing a blockage. Hence, the outflow pipes of the leach field may not work efficiently.
Likewise, these particles may coat the soil particles in the leach field, preventing proper drainage. Therefore, your backyard may become flooded and smelly. Septic tank drainfield repair, in this case, entails pumping the septic tank to eliminate the sludge and restore the free flow of wastewater.
Drainfield Overloading
Every septic system has a maximum wastewater capacity that it can manage. Therefore, if you combine daily water usage with leakages, you may overload your septic system. Also, introducing foreign waste material in your septic tank like plastics may cause blockage of the drainfield. Hence, your drainfield may experience immense pressure and burst, resulting in leakage.
Septic tank drainfield repair may include removing foreign materials causing blockage from the drainfield. Also, regular wastewater pumping from your septic system may be necessary to contain wastewater overload.
The common drainfield problems include soil compaction, drainfield overloading, and blockage. Consider performing septic tank drainfield repair when you encounter these issues.