Most people living inside the City limits are hooked up to their City's sewer system. But many rural families are hooked up to a septic system.
You may not think about it until something goes wrong, but whenever you wash your hands, flush the toilet, do your laundry, take a shower, or run the dishwasher, all that dirty water and other waste has to go somewhere.
There are many steps involved in the wastewater treatment process. If you live in a rural area and have a septic system, it will collect in your septic tank.
Solid waste settles at the bottom of the septic tank, and the liquid is filtered out. Where does all that liquid go? That’s where your drain field, better known in the plumbing industry as a leach field, comes into play.
Let's take a closer look at what your septic system drain field does and why it’s so important for your plumbing in Springfield Missouri to work properly.
What Are Septic System Drain Fields?
The drain field is where the wastewater, known as effluent, ultimately ends up after being filtered through your septic tank. A series of perforated pipes are connected to the tank that transports the wastewater away, typically to a wide, flat part of your yard.
As the wastewater travels through these pipes, the perforations in the pipes allow it to trickle out into the soil. Helpful bacteria and other microorganisms in the soil act as a natural filter, breaking down contaminants in the water and ensuring it is safe when the soil fully absorbs it.
Maintaining Your Septic System Drain Field
A typical drain field can last a long time, between 20-30 years. However, there are dangers that can decrease the lifespan of your drain field significantly.
To keep your septic system drain field in good working order:
- Have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years. If the tank fills beyond capacity, sludge could overflow into and contaminate the drain field.
- Don't plant trees or anything with roots near your drain field. Roots are constantly seeking out water and will be attracted to the water in your drain field pipes, potentially damaging them.
- Have you drain field pipes properly graded. The pipes should be sloped around ¼ an inch per foot of pipe so that the water flows properly. If the pipe isn’t sloped enough, the wastewater will remain trapped in the pipes, creating backups.
- Don't drive heavy vehicles over the field. Drain fields don’t run very deep into the ground, so they’re easily susceptible to damage from the weight of heavy vehicles. Make note of where your drain field is located, and keep any large vehicles, such as trucks or farm equipment, away to keep from damaging the pipes.
All parts of a septic system are important for properly removing waste from a home. The drain field is no exception as the final step in the process.
If you need help installing a septic system drain field for your home or need your drain field repaired, call on a professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri to handle the job.
United Plumbing is available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs.