Dos and Don’ts of Drain Field Lines
Your drain field lines are an integral part of your leach field, and therefore, an imperative part of your septic system as a whole. At Septic Tank Pros Flowery Branch, our partner technicians install entire septic systems, including tanks and drainfields, and perform regular maintenance for people, so their systems run properly and can serve them for decades without an issue.
What Drain Field Lines Do
No matter what kind of septic system you have, the effluent, or water from the tank, has to empty out somewhere. There are a lot of different options in this regard. Some let the effluent flow into a pit. Others recycle the effluent with a graywater recycling system. The most popular, however, is the leach field. With this setup, the effluent flows through a series of underground pipes (drain field lines) that have lots of tiny holes in them. These pipes tend to have a layer of rock or gravel around them, so the effluent can be easily dispersed into the surrounding soil, and a layer of soil and grass is placed over the top. The drainfield, itself, plays a big role in cleaning the effluent, so it’s safe for the environment. Bacteria that’s naturally present will form a biomat, which slows the flow and removes pathogens. There’s also bacteria in the soil, so as long as the flow of effluent remains slow, your on-site waste treatment facility is healthy and safe for the environment, as well as for the people around it. You do have to take some precautions to make sure that your drainfield can do its job.
Don’ts of Drain Field Lines
Put anything heavy on top of them. If the soil compacts, it can’t absorb the effluent, so don’t ever build on top of it (patios, gazebos, swimming pools, play equipment) and don’t let anyone drive over the top of it.
Plant anything other than grass on or near them. The roots can block or damage the pipes.
Overload the system. If too much effluent enters the system at once, it doesn’t get treated well and solids may enter the drainfield. Be mindful of your water consumption and fix any leaky faucets so they don’t needlessly add to the tank.
Waste money on system treatments. There are a lot of gimmicks on the market, designed to add bacteria to the system and “eliminate buildup.” Your system already has all kinds of bacteria, and as long as you aren’t adding things to kill it, like antibacterial soaps and chemicals, it’ll have all the bacteria it needs on its own.
Dos of Drain Field Lines
Pump your system regularly. For a home, this means every 3-5 years, or more often if you have a garbage disposal. If your septic system is on commercial or industrial property, you’ll need it done every few months. This ensures that solids don’t make it into the drainfield and clog it up.
Keep an eye on it. Watch for signs of failure, like standing water or excessive vegetation over the top of it.
Call Septic Tank Pros Flowery Branch if You Have Trouble with Your Drain Field Lines
If your system isn’t behaving like it should, or if you’d simply like it inspected and pumped, we can help. Our partners are experienced, courteous, and efficient, so you can be sure the job is done quickly and correctly. Call (470) 798-3733 to schedule today.