Septic system care can be stressful, since no one wants to deal with clogged drains, soggy lawns, or backed-up toilets. It can feel like there’s a lot to learn if you’re not a qualified septic care professional yourself, with new terms and maintenance tasks piling up.
Take a deep breath. Even if you’re completely new to septic system care, understanding how your system works and how to recognize when it needs repair is possible if you take it one step at a time.
What Are Drain Fields?
New to septic care or not, you’re probably familiar with the common elements. Septic tanks and pipes are pretty standard, but what about drain fields? While this is a component you may not have heard of before, drain fields are an essential part of your septic system.
How Do They Work?
Drain fields can also be called leach or absorption fields, but all three names refer to the same thing. Drain fields are the last stop for wastewater leaving your home. They help liquid waste be properly treated and dispersed into the ground, first by passing through perforated pipes, then a layer of gravel, and finally into natural, local soil. Drain fields help liquid waste flow safely away from your home and protect you from harmful bacteria.
When Do They Need Repairs?
Drain fields can be occasionally damaged by tree roots, careless construction, or heavy vehicles compacting pipes and soil. You can tell if drain fields need repair by looking for a few key signs:
- Lush, extremely green grass only in the drain field area
- A soggy lawn
- A foul smell
If you notice any of these signs, give us a call at Clark Septic. We’re your local experts on septic systems and drain fields, so whatever problem you’re facing, we’ll help you get your system fixed.