Common Causes Of Drain Field Problems: Why You Might Need Drain Field Repairs

Posted on: 10 February 2022

Your septic system's drain field is an essential part of the system's proper operation. For those who are not familiar with the way a drain field operates, it can be challenging to recognize when it's not functioning as it should or when there's a problem that's affecting it. Understanding some of the fundamental issues that often call for drain field repair can help you to address these problems. Here's a look at some of the things you should watch for when it comes to your septic system's drain field.

Tree Root Issues

One of the single biggest threats to your entire septic system, drain field included, is tree root penetration. Remember that tree roots grow outward from the tree's trunk in an equivalent ratio to the height of the tree itself. That means you could have tree roots underground many feet from where the tree is actually standing, which sometimes leads to tree roots penetrating your plumbing system or your drain field.

Tree root growth in your drain field can inhibit the proper filtration, evaporation, and absorption that needs to happen for your septic system to function correctly. If you notice that your drain field isn't draining the way that it should, tree roots could be the problem. You'll want to talk with a septic system technician to see if that's the culprit.

Excessive Use Problems

In addition to tree roots inhibiting the proper drainage and function of your drain field, excessive use can cause some of the same problems. If you've suddenly added several people to your household or you're using far more water than you used to, the excessive water use can overload your septic tank and your drain field.

When the drain field can't keep up, it becomes saturated and then floods beyond its boundaries. That's why it's important for you to keep an eye on your drain field and call a septic system technician right away if you notice standing water.

Grease Accumulation Trouble

One of the things that many homeowners don't think about when they put things down the drain is an accumulation of grease in the septic system and drain field. When you put grease down the drain, it flows into the septic tank and sometimes beyond into the drain field. Since grease doesn't break down the way that septic waste usually does, it creates a film and can clog the drain field and the septic system. This blocks the natural oxygen absorption in the drain field, which is essential for it to function the way that it should. If you've been putting grease down your drains, you'll want to talk with a septic system repair technician about assessing the condition of your drain field.

These are some of the most frequent challenges that septic system owners encounter with drain fields. The more you understand, the easier it is to deal with these challenges and avoid the disasters that they can cause. Contact a septic tank drainfield repair service near you to learn more.

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