Everything You Need to Know About Septic Drain Fields

You flush your toilets, use the kitchen sink, and use water as you need. As the saying goes, ‘out of sight, out of mind’, once you are done using the water, you probably don’t give a second thought about it. This is where your septic system steps in. Don’t mind the dramatics, but your disposed water is carried and treated through the septic system to keep your drains flowing. If there is any issue in the system, your drainage will get clogged, and that can turn into a nightmare pretty quickly.

The septic drain field, in particular, is very important as this is where the wastewater receives its final treatment before flowing back to the environment. Here, Dr. Pooper has a comprehensive guide on a septic drain field, how it works, its different types, and how to maintain it properly.

How a Septic System and Drainfield Work Together

The septic system and drainfield work together to carry the wastewater out of your home. Here’s exactly how they work:

• The pipe connecting your home to the septic system carries the wastewater to the septic tank and drain field. 

• The wastewater receives its first treatment in the septic tank, where the solids settle and form a sludge. 

• The oil and grease also separate from the wastewater and float to the surface. From the septic tank, only the water goes into the drain field. 

• A bunch of perforated pipes help distribute the wastewater throughout the septic drain field. 

• A gravel layer surrounding the pipes basically acts as a buffer to help the liquid waste from the septic tank drain field flow into the soil and keep the larger solids contained.

The drain field system helps filter the water naturally, prevents sewage backup, protects groundwater, and supports long-term septic system health. It is crucial for home safety and hygiene. 

Different Types of Drain Fields for Septic Systems

There are different types of drain fields for septic systems, and each has its own distinct advantage.

Standard Drain Fields

This is basically the traditional system with septic drain field lines, perforated pipes, and a gravel layer.

Dry Well Systems

Typically, a septic drain field is designed with perforated pipes and gravel. However, a dry well system has large pits filled with crushed rock or gravel instead of pipes. These septic drain lines help with the wastewater filtration process. One can argue that a dry well system may not filter wastewater as effectively as traditional drain fields because the surface area is reduced, but its advantage lies in its durability.

Mound-Type Drain Fields

A mound-type sewer drain field is generally built above the ground. This is because the in-ground drain field installation is not suitable for some ground conditions or soil types. Basically, the wastewater from the septic system drain lines reaches the mound system and then follows the same process of filtration as a standard drain field.

Chamber-Type Systems

The septic tank and drain field with a chamber system basically hold the wastewater in a plastic container. The water can seep into the ground even without the gravel bed. This system has become popular due to its low installation cost, but it may not be as reliable as the traditional septic drain field.

Common Causes of Septic Drain Field Problems

Here are the common problems that you can face with a septic system with a drain field.

• Root Invasion: Slow-moving drains or frequent backups in sinks, toilets, and showers can be a sign of tree roots entering the system. You may also notice unusually lush or greener patches of grass above the septic drain field.

• Flooding: Pools of water forming on the septic drain field surface or a strong sewage smell often indicate that the drain field is flooded and not absorbing wastewater properly.

• Clogged Pipelines: Persistent slow drains, lingering foul odours, or wastewater backing up into the home usually point to a clog somewhere in the lines from the drains to septic tank to drain field.

• Crushed Pipes: If you’re seeing slow drainage or backups but inspections show the pipes aren’t clogged, crushed or collapsed pipes could be the cause.

• Oversaturation: Standing water, overly green grass on the drainfield, or sewage odors may mean the soil is too saturated to handle more wastewater.

• Drainfield Too Small: Continuous slow drains, frequent backups, or water pooling over the drainfield can signal that the drainfield isn’t large enough for the household’s water usage.

• Soil Compaction: Heavy traffic or equipment can compact the soil above the drain field, reducing absorption and leading to standing water and sluggish drainage

How to Maintain and Protect Your Septic Drain Field

With proper maintenance, your system can work efficiently for a long time, saving you drain field and septic tank replacement cost.

• Regular Pumping: Arranging regular pumping, typically every once in three years, can make a huge difference. It may require more frequent pumping depending on the system size and household requirements. If not pumped regularly, and sludge and buildup overflow, it can clog the system and damage the septic tank and field.

• Manage the Water Flow Properly: Ensure proper grading to allow the water to flow naturally from the area. Avoid too much watering around the area as excessive moisture can oversaturate the field.

• Control Plant Growth and Root Invasion: If plant roots get into the system, it will cause clogging, and the system will start failing. It is best to plant trees at a safe distance. 

• Be Mindful About What You Flush: Not everything should go in the septic system. It is made for wastewater and not wipes, diapers, sanitary products, and things that will not dissolve and that can clog the system.

• Protect the Drain Field Surface: Avoid parking cars over the drain field. Try not to keep heavy equipment, as well.

• Use Water Wisely: Do laundry loads on different days to avoid excessive use of water and overwhelming the system.

• Stick to Natural Drainfield Cleaners: Use Dr. Pooper’s all-natural Drain Field Cleaner to get rid of clogs effectively without causing any damage to the system.

How Long Do Drain Fields Last?

A septic drain field typically lasts between 20 to 30 years. That said, it depends on some important factors:

• Soil Composition: Sandy or loamy soil supports a longer life as it drains nicely. On the other hand, clay soil doesn’t drain well and can reduce system efficiency. 

• Water Usage: Water efficiency will help with a long-lasting system.

• Regular Maintenance: With regular maintenance and timely pumping, the drain field will work efficiently and last longer.

• System Design & Installation: A well-designed and professionally installed system will have a better lifespan. 

• Environmental Factors: Heavy rain, drought, and freezing temperatures affect soil absorption and system performance.

Conclusion

The drain field has a crucial role to play in the efficiency of the septic system. The type of drain field you choose will impact the efficiency and lifespan of your system, the same way your maintenance habits will.

Now, maintain your septic drain field better and without any hassle with Dr. Pooper’s Drain Field Cleaner. This fast-acting, easy-to-use formula:

• Rejuvenates clogged and failed drain fields. 

• Gets rid of clogs, scum, and sludge in the septic tank field.

• Helps the system flow and flush properly.

What’s more, the all-natural formula without any harsh chemicals makes this drain cleaner safe for septic systems.

FAQs

1. What is in a septic drain field?

A traditional septic drain field has perforated pipes and a gravel layer. It filters wastewater from the septic tank and transfers it to the soil.

2. How deep is a septic drain field buried?

A septic drain field is generally buried anywhere between 18 inches to 36 inches below the surface.

3. How long can a septic drainfield last?

A septic drain field can last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the soil composition, water usage, maintenance, and environmental factors.

4. How big is a septic drain field?

The size of the septic drain field can vary widely based on soil type, household water usage, and septic system design.