2 Warning Signs Your Septic System Drainfield Needs Attention
Your septic system relies on the drainfield to remove contaminants from your home's wastewater. Wastewater flows from your home's septic tank to the drainfield, where it is treated and released into the soil. If your drainfield is not functioning properly, it can cause serious problems for your septic system — and your home.
Here are two warning signs that your septic system drainfield needs repair.
Pooling Water
If you notice water pooling on or around your drainfield, it's a sign that there is a blockage or a clog somewhere in the system. This can be caused by tree roots, grease, or other debris that has made its way into your septic system.
For example, if you have a grease trap, it's important to make sure that it is properly maintained. If not, the grease can travel through your septic system and clog your drainfield. This is especially true if your septic tank is already full.
Pooling water can also be a sign of saturated soil. This issue can be caused by several things, including heavy rains or flooding.
If the soil around your drainfield is saturated, it can't absorb any more water. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go but up — and that's when you see pooling on the surface. Sometimes, you might not see any pooling water at all, especially in the early stages of saturation.
However, you might notice other warning signs, such as wet spots in your yard or a soggy feeling when you walk on the drainfield. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage it will cause to your septic system.
Septic Tank Backflow
If you notice sewage backing up into your septic system, that's usually a sign that your drainfield is not working properly. This can happen for several reasons, but the most common is that the drainfield is saturated with wastewater. It could also indicate an issue with the drainfield's absorption rate, especially if there has been a change in the water table.
Septic tank backflow is a serious issue because it can contaminate your home's drinking water if you have a well. It can also lead to flooding in your home if the sewage backs up into your drains. If you notice any sewage backflow, you should call a professional immediately to have your septic drainfield inspected and assessed for repairs.
The most common septic tank drainfield repair method is to install a new leach field. This involves excavating the existing drainfield and installing a new system of pipes and gravel. Another common method is to aerate the drainfield.
This involves perforating the pipes in the drainfield with small holes. This allows air to enter the system and break down the waste. Speak to a professional to understand the best method for your septic system.