At Marion Pumper, as part of the septic services we provide, we repair, install, and maintain drain fields. If you’re new to the world of septic, or you simply want to educate yourself about the drain field on your property, here are the answers to some of the most common questions about these systems.
How Do Drain Fields Work?
Standard drain fields are made up of a configuration of pipes that are buried underground over a large area of soil. This part of the septic system is where the real wastewater treatment process occurs because wastewater is purified naturally here, and eventually becomes part of the ground water.
How Long Do These Systems Last?
With the right septic services, a drain field can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. However, the length of time a drain field will last largely depends on how well it is maintained, designed, and installed.
Why Do Drain Fields Fail?
Drain fields often fail when the system becomes hydraulically or biologically overloaded. For example, hydraulic overloading occurs when too much water is sent through the septic system for the drain field to handle. Comparatively, biological overloading occurs when too much organic material in the effluent is allowed to reach the drain field.
In addition to these two situations, drain fields can fail when the septic tank isn’t maintained with proper septic services or if additives are used to break up solid waste in the septic tank. A drain field may also fail when water isn’t conserved properly or when a garbage disposal is used without proper care.