Leach Fields
Also known as a drain field, a properly maintained leach field is essential to a fully functioning septic tank system. In fact, most septic system failures result from problems with the leach field due to its reliance on the filtration and dispersal of waste. The Double JP Septic team wants our customers to be informed about the functioning of their leach field, so we have included some helpful knowledge below.
Common Causes of Leach Field Malfunction
- Old age
- Excessive water use
- Leaking toilets, sinks, and shower drains
- Water runoff/accumulation from excessive rainfall or snow
- Vehicular/construction damage on top of the field
- Interference with piping from root overgrowth
- Pouring grease, paint, or chemicals down drains
- Lack of regular pumping maintenance
Common Signs of Leach Field Failure
- Backed-up plumbing system
- Sewage odors lingering around drains, septic tank, or leach field itself
- Slow-flowing drainage in sinks, toilets, and showers
- Lush grass growth over the leach field, often noticeably greener than the rest of the area
- Surrounding area is soaking wet or has collected standing water
Leach Field Questions
Can a failed drain field be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
Whether a failed drain field can be repaired or needs to be replaced depends on what caused the field to fail. If failure was caused by clogs or tree roots, then the leach field can most likely be repaired. If the failure was caused by structural damage, age, or buildup, then a replacement is typically required. If your leach field is failing, contact our experts for inspections, repairs, or installation services.
How large does my drain field need to be?
The size of your drain field will reflect the number of bedrooms in the home and the absorption rate of your property’s soil type. Many areas also require an additional area of the same size, located next to or near the drainfield, for replacement or repair.
Does a drain field require maintenance?
Not directly. The drain field doesn’t require maintenance, but it can fail if routine maintenance of other system components is not performed consistently. Additionally, keeping heavy weight and pressure off the field and the tank will prevent the pipes and tank from cracking. Plants and debris also should be occasionally removed from the drain field.
If properly monitored and maintained, a leach field can generally last for fifteen to twenty-five years. Double JP Septic is dedicated to keeping your septic tank system working smoothly and will always provide top-quality leach field servicing with dependable efficiency, ensuring that your system is built to last for years to come. Call today!