Common Septic Drain Field Problems

Six common septic drain field problems sludge overload.

Common septic drain field problems.

The most common cause of septic system problems and failure is their septic system absorption component more commonly known as a drainfield becoming impermeable so that the wastewater can no longer be absorbed into the soil. Septic tanks gradually fill with solid waste. Continue reading below our video of the day problem 1. Standing water the pipes in the drain field are vulnerable to being broached by roots from trees or bushes.

The frequency of pumping depends on a few factors. They are a balanced system that uses bacteria to. Enzymes in these products cause more suspended solids in the tank water solids then pass to the drain field and cause premature septic system failure by clogging the soil around the drain pipes and preventing liquid from flowing into the soil as needed. A high percentage of septic companies have invested in various equipment for clearing not only the pipes between the house and the septic tank but the pipes between the septic tank and the soil and gravel in the drain field.

The drain field and its associated piping are not built to sustain weight and can become easily damaged. Common septic tank problems sewage water collecting on the ground above the drain field. Pools of water in the drain field. Hardened fats can cause capping the cutting off of all oxygen in the system and will damage the drain field.

5 signs of drain field problems 1. It usually is accompanied by other common septic tank problems gurgling pipes or slow drains see below. Once the tank is full of solid waste you may experience sewage backups in the toilets or slow drains in tubs and sinks. This is a condition that people notice getting gradually worse with time and it is one of the most common septic tank problems.

Roots will eventually seek out moisture underground and will penetrate the tank drain field or pipes associated with the septic system. Tree roots creeping into the crevices of your septic tank tree roots infiltrating your drainfield accumulation of too much solid waste in the septic tank driving over or parking on the drainfield non septic safe treatments like water softeners chemicals paints grease automotive. Never plant any new trees near the septic tank drain field. Sewage odor in the drain field.

A drain field should only see liquid. Sewage odor in the. Here are the most common problems caused by failures in the drain field of the septic tank system. Septic systems are more than just a tank for waste.

Soggy spots in the yard are a possible sign that you have a problem with the drain.