A modern septic service system is reliant on a number of different components functioning to work. The drain field can be one of the most important parts of the septic system, but it is an easy part of the system to overlook when it comes to maintaining or repairing the septic system.

What Does Your Septic System's Drain Field Do?

The drain field is responsible for allowing the water in the septic tank to be able to drain in a controlled manner. To accomplish this, the drain field will distribute the water coming from the septic tank over a large area. This minimizes the amount of erosion that can occur, reducing the risk of ponding occurring above the septic tank and it allows for more rapid draining.

What Types Of Issues Are The Most Common Problems For Drain Fields?

Due to the fact that drain fields are buried, they are protected from many potential issues, but there are still problems that these components can suffer. For example, root damage is a very common problem for drain fields because roots will grow towards these fields due to the moisture being released into the soil. Soil compression can be another problem for drain fields that can prevent the soil from being able to absorb the water from these pipes. While a drain field that is properly buried will be unlikely to freeze, it can be possible for erosion to expose some of these pipes or put them close enough to the surface of the soil to freeze. Repairing a damaged or malfunctioning drain field will require excavation to replace the damaged piping, but it may be possible for the repair contractor to isolate the location of the damage to limit the amount of excavation needed.

Can It Become Necessary To Upgrade The Drain Field?

A drain field will be limited in the rate at which it can empty the septic tank. For households with growing families, the capacity of the septic tank can be exceeded, which will necessitate upgrading the drain field to accommodate the larger septic tank. In addition to this need, you may also need to upgrade the drain field due to it reaching the end of its designed lifespan. When the drain field exceeds its maximum operational lifespan, it may become more prone to leaking and rupturing due to the pipes becoming brittle. Preemptively replacing the drain field before these problems can arise may help to save you from considerable property damage due to erosion and flooding.