While your tank itself is a main component of your septic system, the drain field is often the most expensive part of the structure. When it is compromised with waste, it may have to be dug up and replaced.
The drain field is made up of a series of perforated pipes laid in gravel beds, usually two to three feet wide by up to 10 feet long, under the soil. The effluent water tricks out of these pipes, it still contains pollutants and disease causing bacteria. It is filtered and cleaned as it goes through the gravel and soil.
The Environmental Protection Agency has tips on maintaining your drain field.
Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield.
Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.
Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the drainfield.
Flooding the drainfield with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up.
Many homeowners in Central Florida experienced severe rain during hurricane Irma. The sustained rain affected many septic systems. Now several of them are experiencing flooded drainfields, backed up septic systems, slow drains, and raw sewage coming up through the bathtubs.
Flooded Drain field
Heavy rain can wreak havoc on your drain field. Flooding can make it almost impossible for the water to properly flow out of the septic tank. Which means waste water will have nowhere to go, the wastewater will stay in the septic tank. Accumulating until the septic tank is full.
A full septic tank, a flooded drain field, and more waste water going down the drain can cause disaster! Waste water backing up into the drains, sinks, and bathtub!
During times of heavy rains, be cautious about how much water is going down the drain. If they become slow or your septic system is showing signs of problems, it is important to call the professionals at Orlando Septic Service. Avoid using commercial septic cleaning products, they can cause harm to both your plumbing pipes and septic system.
To reduce stress on the septic system, reduce the amount of water going into the drain field from restricting water usage inside the home and by directing rain gutters and runoff water away from the septic area.
Don’t drive vehicles or equipment over the drain field can compact the soil, reducing its ability to work properly.
Contact the Orlando Septic Service, we are an environmentally friendly company serving the Central Florida area for over 23 years. We are a licensed septic contractor certified with the State of Florida. Earning our reputation as an honest and reliable waste management business in the Seminole, Lake, Volushia and Orange County areas.
