How to Fix A Saturated Septic Leach Field

The septic drain field, or a leach field, is one of the most critical components of the septic system. It is the place where the wastewater, also called effluent, enters the soil, where it gets naturally cleaned, and then returned to the environment.

However, problems might happen in the leach bed over time that affect the drain field. One of these problems is having soggy grass or water gathering over your drain field. 

A saturated leach field can cause bad smells in your septic system, delayed draining in your home, and finally a backup. That's why this article will talk about the most prevalent reasons for a saturated leach field and how to fix it.

What a Saturated Leach Field Is and How It Works

The leach field getting saturated usually happens when the entire area around the drain field, i.e, the soil surrounding the perforated pipes, is completely filled with water. This means that they cannot absorb any more water, and they cannot accept any more liquid effluent.

Common Causes of a Saturated Drain Field

When a drain field saturates, it cannot disperse water as effectively as it should be able to. This happens usually due to a few reasons. 

• Clogging: This is often the most common culprit when it comes to a saturated drain field. The perforated pipes get clogged due to the accumulation of solids and biomat, preventing the effluent from dispersing into the ground properly.

• Poor Septic Tank Maintenance: Another major culprit is improper septic tank maintenance, as it allows a lot of junk into the septic tank and then the drain field.

• Flushing Non-biodegradable items: Use of items like sanitary pads, tampons, and baby wipes can also cause clogging in the septic drain field, leading to saturation. It is because these items do not break down in the septic ecosystem, even if they’re labelled as “flushable”.

• Excessive Water Use: When you use a lot of water, it is obvious that the soil around the pipes will saturate, as it just cannot absorb any more water.

• Soil Compaction: When heavy vehicles like cars, trucks, and construction equipment drive over the drainfield region, they can compact the soil, making it less able to soak up water. Even foot traffic for a long time can add to it.

• Root Intrusion: Roots of trees and shrubs are always looking for water and food. If you plant them too close together, they can grow into the pipes in the drainfield and block them.

• Age and Natural Wear: Even if they are carefully cared for, drainfields only last for 20 to 30 years. The soil's ability to absorb things naturally decreases with time.

• Saturated Soil: Heavy rain for a long time or a high water table might soak the ground around the drainfield, making it impossible for the effluent to spread out.

Warning Signs of a Saturated Septic Drain Field

A saturated septic drain field has some warning signs, which help you identify if the drain field needs fixing. Some warning signs include:

Wet, Soggy, or Puddled Ground

When you walk in your backyard and notice there are a lot of wet and soggy spots, that is a warning sign that your soil has saturated and your drain field cannot drain the effluent any longer.

Lush, Green Vegetation

If you spot that the area near the drain field has lush green grass and a lot of plant growth, then understand that there might be drain field saturation, as it indicates a steady supply of sewage nutrients.

Sewer Odors

There will be strong and persistent smells, similar to rotten eggs, near the septic tank, yard or inside the house due to the release of hydrogen sulfide.

Slow Drains and Plumbing Fixtures

When you wash your hands, you notice that the water is draining awfully slow, and the same applies to showers, bathtubs and toilets. That is when you know that there is a saturated leach field.

Gurgling Pipes

If there is no slow drainage, you will hear gurgling sounds, which also indicate a saturated leach field as air is struggling to escape.

Sewage Backups

You will typically witness sewage backups, as the effluent has no place to go due to a saturated septic leach field.

How to Fix a Saturated Leach Field Step by Step

Fixing a saturated drain field might sound difficult, but it actually isn’t if you follow these few simple steps

When to Call a Professional for Saturated Leach Field Repair

There are instances where you will not be able to help the situation and need professional help, such as:

• If your septic tank hasn’t been pumped for 3-5 years

• If your septic system is quite old, for example, more than 20 years, you might be near the end of its lifespan

• If you suspect that the damage is too serious and severe and beyond the scope of fixing yourself.

To find out if a saturated field is just blocked, damaged, or completely broken, professionals often do diagnostics like inspections and camera scoping. A good professional knows it better, and you should know when to call them.

How to Prevent Leach Field Saturation in the Future

“Prevention is better than cure” also applies to leach fields. Here aresome preventative measures that you can take to prevent leach field saturation in the future.

• Use as little water as you can, which includes closing taps and fixing leaks; even small fixes go a long way.

• Make sure you pump the tank once every 3-4 years. Routine maintenance prevents a lot of issues, including a saturated leach field.

• Make sure you don’t plant anything with deep roots, as deep roots can and will penetrate through the PVC or metal pipes

• Lastly, make sure that you inspect the septic system on an annual basis, check for any sogginess or leakages.

These measures might not sound like much, but they go a long way when it comes to preventing Septic leach field saturation.

Conclusion

The septic leach field getting saturated is a common issue; it can cause foul odours and a soggy ground to walk on in the backyard. By taking a few steps, you can undo the damage. The best way to prevent it is by using the Accelerator by Dr. Pooper.

It is made with a specific formula that increases the number of anaerobic bacteria, which digest sludge much faster and prevent clogs in the septic system, which is the main culprit behind a saturated septic leach field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What are the most common causes of a saturated drain field?

The most common causes of a saturated drain field are clogging, which can be caused by a lot of other factors, such as flushing of non-biodegradable objects, use of excessive water, etc.

2. How long does it take for a saturated leach field to dry out?

It takes around 2 weeks for a saturated leach field to dry out.

3. What are the signs of a saturated septic drain field?

Signs of a saturated leach field include soggy ground, foul smell and lush green vegetation near the drain field.

4. Can bacterial additives help restore a saturated leach field?

Adding bacteria to a saturated leach field can help it work again, especially if the blocking is caused by too much biomat (a biofilm layer). This is because the bacteria eat organic waste.

5. How much does it cost to repair or replace a saturated leach field?

Fixing or repairing a saturated leach field usually costs between $5,000 and $20,000 or more. Costs are very different depending on the size of the system, the conditions at the site, and local rules that require updates to modern requirements.

6. How can homeowners prevent leach field saturation over time?

To keep the leach field from getting too full, you need to use less water, do regular maintenance, and preserve the surface of the soil.

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