5 SIGNS YOUR SEPTIC DRAIN FIELD NEEDS REPLACED

#1 Slowing Drainage

Homeowners/business owners first notice slower than usual drainage from all the sinks, tubs, and toilets in a home/office when they have a compromised drain field. As long as the pipes of the field still accept some water, however, the drains will continue to work in your home/office at a slower rate. Only once the drain field has completely failed and the tank has a chance to fill up too high will drainage stop altogether.

However, slower drainage also occurs due to clogs in the inlet or outlet pipe and many other septic problems that are easier to fix than a drain field. Do not jump to conclusions about what is wrong with your septic system before having a professional inspect it.

#2 Rising Water

Drainfield pipes that crack open and break rather than clog up release too much water into the field area. You may notice puddles or spongy and mushy ground over the area.

Water levels can also rise inside the septic tank because of a clogged or crushed drain field. The water will eventually rise up high enough to push sewage up the inlet pipe and into your home's lowest drains, which is known as a backup. If a technician reports high water levels during a tank inspection, you may need drain field repairs instead of just a routine septic tank cleaning.

#3 Increasing Plant Growth

Lush, green grass or weed growth over the drain field area is another bad sign that the pipes buried below have malfunctioned. When the drain field leaks faster than normal or has decomposing waste inside that is supposed to stay in the tank, you will see the results on the surface. Excess water and nutrients lead to visibly faster and bigger plant growth limited to the drain field.

#4 Returning Flow

One specific sign of a damaged or dead drain field is only noticeable when you try to service the tank. If you assume the tank just needs pumping, the service technician may spot water and sewage entering the tank from the outlet in a reverse flow.

When water stands in the drain field rather than soaking in, the water has nowhere else to go but back into the tank whenever space opens up.

Reverse flow from the drain field is a clear indicator you need jetting or a pipe replacement service.

#5 Developing Odors

Finally, use your nose to sniff out signs of drain field trouble. Stroll over the area at least once every few weeks and pay attention to the smells. Any sewage or toilet odors, even if they are faint and hard to detect, indicate you need an immediate inspection from a specialist. Cleaning the drain field pipes while they just start to release odors is the best approach.

Take charge of your septic system's performance by allowing us here at Xtreme Plumbing and Septic to give the tank and drain field a full inspection. If we notice any loss in drainage capacity, we will lay out your options for fixing the problem before the system completely stops processing waste. In addition, we're happy to answer any of your questions or concerns about your drain field or septic system in general. We also have financing options available for your choice.