The Leach Field — A Valuable Part of Your Septic System

When most people think about a septic system, they envision the actual septic tank. And while this is certainly a key element, it's not the only vital piece of the puzzle. In fact, the leach field is just as important but is often overlooked. What is the leach field and how does it work? What should you keep on the lookout for? And how can you keep it working at its best? Here are some answers to your questions.

What Is a Leach Field?

The leach field — also called a drain field — is a large series of underground pipes into which the gray water flows from the septic tank itself. It consists of a wide open area of ground with access to the septic tank. Based on your septic system size and needs, a layout of wide trenches are dug below the surface. The trenches are generally filled with gravel and the pipes carrying water out of the septic tank are placed in the center.

How Does the Leach Field Work?

Drain fields prevent the septic tank from filling up with water and becoming unusable. How? Inside the septic tank, waste naturally rises and falls based on its nature. Solid waste sinks to the bottom, where it is eaten away by bacteria. Unwanted liquid waste, such as oils or grease, rises to the top. What's left in the middle is the waste (or, gray) water. This then moves out of the tank through the drain pipes.

The drain pipes in the leach field, though, are perforated with tiny holes all along their sides. These holes let water seep out into the underground trench. The gravel, along with other natural processes, begins to filter it as it leaches down into the water table again. So, well-maintained drain fields are good for your septic system and good for the environment.

What Signs Can Indicate Problems?

A properly installed and functioning drain field is largely invisible to the homeowner. However, that doesn't mean problems don't arise. For instance, poor installation or too much wastewater in the field may lead to pooling water or swampy ground above it. You may even see settling and hollows forming. This is particularly dangerous if anything has been placed on top of the field, such as parked cars or an outbuilding.

Additionally, pay attention to odors from the drain field. As mentioned, the leaching process should involve gray water and be entirely captured underground. So if you smell unwanted odors, there may be blockages or overloading in the system.

Finally, there are some indicators you may notice while using the plumbing system. Are your drains or toilets backing up, gurgling, or slow? Any of these could be caused by the leach pipes not properly moving water out of the tank and into the ground fast enough.

Does the Leach Field Need Maintenance?

In general, the leach field itself benefits most from regular maintenance of the septic tank. The pipes in the field are a passive system, so they're low maintenance by themselves. However, the septic tank should be serviced on a regular schedule and any signs of clogs should be addressed immediately.

You can also help the leach field work well by learning more about what should and shouldn't be put into your pipes to avoid clogs. Avoid placing heavy weight on the surface of the drain field and maintain proper drainage for rainwater in your yard. And spread out water usage in the home so the system is able to move water out before more is introduced.

Where Can You Learn More?

While often forgotten, the leach field is a valuable part of your septic system. Learn more about placement and installation, problems you might encounter, and regular maintenance by calling the pros at JT Sanitation. We'll work with you to ensure that your system is comfortable, worry-free, and there when you need it.