Leach Field & Septic Tank Guide: How Your Septic System Works

Your home has a septic tank, and that means there is also a leach field. Without an efficient leach field, the septic tank risks spilling the wastewater collected from the household, or it will need frequent services.

What exactly is this septic tank leach field? The leach field, connected to the septic tank, is an area with a series of trenches or beds. These have perforated pipes running through them and are filled with gravel. Its main job is to filter wastewater by removing contaminants before the water flows back into the soil. When the leach field works well, the entire septic system works well.

Here, Dr. Pooper explains how a leach field septic system works, shows what its different types and components are, and provides tips on how to maintain it properly.

Where is the Leach Field Usually Located?

Every part of a septic system, from the septic tank to leach field, has a very specific positioning for the system to work smoothly.

Since the leach field lines carry the wastewater from the tank for further treatment, ideally, these two are located in close proximity. The trenches are typically buried 2 to 4 feet down. The leach field, on the other hand, must be at a minimum of 50 feet distance from any kind of water source, be it a lake, river, or well. Also, the underground trenches of the leach field normally have a 6 feet of clearance between each of them.

Note that the leach field drainage system can be up to 100 feet long and can take up a lot of space underneath your yard.

How Do Septic Leach Fields Work?

The leach field is a part of the entire septic system. So, let’s take a look at how the system works to understand the function of the septic leaching bed better.

Here’s how a septic system with a drain field works:

The wastewater from the kitchen sinks, showers, toilet, laundry, and other household necessities is carried by the drainage pipes to the septic tank. It is a large container that holds all the wastewater. Here’s where the first round of treatment happens. The wastewater is filtered, and three layers are created. He grease, fats, and oil makes the scum layer. Then there is the wastewater, and at the very bottom is the sludge layer of split waste.

The treated wastewater from the septic tank gets carried by the leach field pipe. As the wastewater leaches through the perforated pipes and gravel of the leach field, it gets further filtered, and natural bacteria purify it meanwhile. It can take around 24 to 48 hours for the entire water to filter and leach. Following that, the water seeps deeper underground. The soil then takes over the filtration, and the water runs into the environment.

The leach field and septic tank work together to filter the wastewater and keep the septic system going.

Components of a Leach Field Septic System

The leach bed septic system has different components, each of which has a particular task to perform.

• Septic Tank: It holds the wastewater coming from the home and separates all the solids and scum.

• Distribution Box: This is the component that carries the wastewater from the septic tank to many pipes and then to the leach field.

• Perforated Pipes: The leach field trenches are lined with perforated pipes that help the wastewater to seep into the underground soil.

• Gravel: A thick layer of gravel surrounds the perforated pipes, which helps filter the wastewater as it drains from the septic system with the leach field. 

• Soil: It is the final component of the leach bed septic system. The natural bacteria in the soil help to break down the contaminants in the wastewater before it eventually flows into the groundwater.

Different Types of Leach Fields

There are different types of leach field septic systems, from traditional ones to more innovative designs, suited for various environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.

• Conventional Systems: It refers to the commonly used system with the septic tank leach bed containing perforated pipes and gravel. 

• Dry Well Systems: The dry well system features gravel or crushed rock-filled large pits, instead of a standard septic tank with field lines. The pits, which help filter the water. This type of leach field sewer system is known for its durability.

• Chamber Systems: This system has plastic containers to hold and transfer the treated water. Even though it is not as reliable as the traditional systems, it is popular for its low installation cost.

• Mound Drain Systems: Instead of underground, the leach field for a septic tank is mounted above the ground. This system is designed for soil types and ground conditions where the conventional system cannot work.

Signs & Causes of Leach Field Problems

Drains can get clogged, the system can overload, or there can be soil saturation. Many factors can impact the septic system’s health. Here are the signs and causes to keep an eye out for:

• Frequent Backups Indoors: Water backing up in sinks, showers, or toilets often means the leach field isn’t draining properly.

• Slow Drains Throughout the Home: When multiple drains slow down at once, it can indicate that wastewater has nowhere to go.

• Gurgling Sounds in Pipes: Bubbling or gurgling noises when you use water may signal blocked or overloaded leach field lines.

• Sewage Odors: Smells coming from drains, the yard, or near the leach field suggest wastewater is surfacing instead of absorbing into the soil.

• Water Pooling in the Yard: Wet, mushy grass or standing water above the leach field area is a strong sign of system failure.

How to Maintain a Leach Field

Here is how to maintain leach bed systems for an effective and long-lasting lifespan.

• Use Water Wisely: Excessive water use can overload the system. Spread your laundry loads over multiple days and avoid keeping taps running for a long period of time.

• Be Careful with What Goes Down the Drain: Wipes, diapers, sanitary products, medications, and harsh chemicals are not supposed to go down the drain, as they can clog the system. That said, clogging is not uncommon, so knowing how to clean a drainage pipe will be helpful.

• Minimise Garbage Disposal: Don’t dispose of garbage in drains, as solids can create a blockage. 

• Maintain Your Septic Tank: Pump your septic tank regularly. It will prevent the sludge from overflowing to the leach field drain pipe.

• Protect the Leach Field Area: Do not park cars or put heavy equipment over the leach bed, as it can cause soil compaction. Also, don’t plant trees or shrubs close to the leach bed. The roots can get into the system and clog it.

Conclusion

The leach field has an important task of filtering the wastewater so that the septic system keeps running smoothly, and you do not face issues like backed-up wastewater and foul smells. If the leach field does not work properly and the system overflows, it will cause you unnecessary hassle and even expense for professional cleaning. A good understanding of how the leach field and the entire septic system work, how to maintain, and what not to do will make your life easier. 

Get a fast and effective solution for clogged and damaged drainfields with Dr Pooper’s products. These are all-natural solutions that work fast and effectively. There are no harsh chemicals, and we always follow the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.

FAQs

1. What does a leach field do?

A leach field further filters and purifies the treated water carried down from the septic tank. The perforated pipes and gravel help with safe water absorption into the soil. This helps avoid clogging and water backups and keeps the septic system running smoothly. 

2. What is the difference between a leach field and a septic tank?

The leach field tank combination is part of the septic system, while both have distinct tasks to perform. The septic tank collects all the wastewater from the household and separates grease, oil, fat, and solids. The leach field transfers the liquid coming from the septic tank into the soil for further filtration and safe absorption. 

3. What happens when the leach field is full?

If the leach field is full and overloaded, the soil cannot absorb the wastewater any longer. This can slow down the drains, cause sewer smells, and lead to soggy areas in the yard. If the leach field continues to overload, the system may fail, and a replacement may be needed.

4. What is the life expectancy of a septic leach field?

A septic leach field can last up to 20 to 30 years. That said, the precise lifespan can depend on various factors. For instance, sandy soil drains better and can keep the system healthy for longer than clay soil that drains poorly. Also, systems maintained and pumped regularly have lower chances of overloading and can work efficiently longer. Excessive water usage. Heavy rain, drought, and freezing temperatures can also impact the lifespan.