Extending the Life of Your Drain Field

If you’ve got a septic tank, you’ve got a drain field, and as your local Syracuse plumber we’ve got a few tips to keep your drain field healthy – and hopefully extend the life of it. If you’re not familiar with septic drain fields (sometimes called leach fields), they are used to remove impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank. If you notice water pooling on your field or an unusual smell you should call your local Mr. Rooter plumber to take a closer look.

Did you know that your garbage disposal can increase the sludge in your tank by more than 50% because of the extra solids introduced.

Drain fields should last at least 25-30 years if maintained correctly. Maintenance for your drain field starts inside the home, with your water use and water disposal habits. The field does not have an unlimited capacity, so the more water you use the greater likelihood of problems with your drain field. Being conscious of your water use is one simple way to reduce waste water generated in your home.

Just like many things in your home, regular inspections are ideal. It’s easy to overlook getting your field looked at, and it’s something that many people don’t think about unless they can tell there is some sort of build up or something is failing. Inspection is much cheaper than whatever repair and rejuvenation costs might be.

Other causes of drain field malfunction can be:

• Solids clogging the small holes in your drain field pipes.
• Additives used to break up the sludge can also damage the system.
• Flushing fats, oils, greases, chemicals, paints, and other improper substances down the drain.
• Improper care of your field (construction on your field, design of the field, or vehicles driving over and cracking the pipes.)
• Excessive rainfall
• Tree roots or other plant roots that can interfere with the drain lines.
• Old age.

Along with inspections of your drain field, you should also make sure that your septic tank is fermenting properly to help maintain your field. If you’re interested in trying new bio-solutions that aerobically clean and rejuvenate your leach field, please call a trained specialist first to make sure that you’re treating your field properly.

Depending on the size of your septic tank, you should pump it every 1-5 years, on a regular schedule. The size of your household can affect how often you should have your tank pumped. Using a filter (kind of like you do for your dryer) can help add a little more life.

Proper septic waste hauling and disposal is important in order to protect public health. Mr. Rooter ensures this is done properly and with the upmost care. If you have any questions about your septic tank or drain field (or any other plumbing concern) please give us a call or schedule an appointment online.