Your home's septic system is an essential part of its overall functionality. It works by separating and treating the household wastewater from your toilets, showers, and sinks before releasing it into a drain field or septic leach field.
This underground area consists of perforated pipes and gravel that distribute the treated water into the soil for further filtration.
But what happens when your drain field starts to fail? How can you tell if there are issues with this critical component of your septic system?
In this guide, we'll discuss some warning signs of a bad drain field and what steps you can take to address any potential problems.
7 Major Signs That Indicate Your Drain Field Is Failing
Here are some warning signs that your drain field may be experiencing issues:
▪️ Water Backups
One of the most common signs of a failing drain field is water backing up into your home's plumbing system. This can manifest as toilets, sinks, showers, or septic tanks not draining to the field or slowly.
If you notice any of these septic drain field failure symptoms, it could be a sign that your drain field is not properly absorbing and distributing the wastewater.
▪️ Foul Odors
A functioning septic system should not emit any strong odors. However, if you start to find the drain field smells bad around your yard or inside your home, it could indicate an issue with your drain field.
These smells are caused by the buildup of sewage in the broken leach field pipe or on the ground surface.
▪️ Lush Green Grass Over The Drain Field
While having a green lawn is usually desirable, if you notice an area of your yard that is excessively green or lush compared to the rest, it could be a sign of a failing drain field.
This happens because the wastewater acts as a fertilizer for the grass and plants above the drain field.
▪️ Sewage Backups And Overflows
If sewage starts backing up into your home's drains or overflows onto your lawn, it is a serious sign of septic system failure. This can lead to health hazards and should be addressed immediately.
▪️ Puddles In The Yard
If you notice standing water or puddles in your yard near where your drain field is located, it could indicate that the soil is not absorbing the wastewater properly. This could be a sign of a clogged drain field or an overloaded septic system.
▪️ Slow-Draining Fixtures
If your sinks, toilets, and showers are all draining slowly, it could be a sign that your septic system is not able to handle the amount of wastewater being produced. This can lead to backups and overflows if not addressed.
▪️ High Levels Of Nitrates In Well Water
A malfunctioning septic drainer can also lead to higher levels of nitrates in your well water. Nitrates are a form of nitrogen found in human waste and can be harmful to both humans and animals if consumed in high amounts.
What Causes A Drain Field To Collapse?
A drain field can collapse due to several reasons. Here are some drain field failure causes:
One of the main causes is soil saturation. If the soil becomes saturated with water, it can no longer properly absorb and filter wastewater holding tanks, leading to a collapse of the drain field.
Another cause is excessive pressure on the drain field. This can happen if heavy vehicles or structures are placed on top of the drain field, causing the pipes to crack or collapse.
Additionally, tree roots can infiltrate the drain field and cause blockages or damage to the pipes, resulting in a collapse.
Finally, poor maintenance and neglect can also contribute to a drain field collapse. If the drain field is not regularly inspected and maintained, issues such as clogs, leaks, or damage can go unnoticed and worsen over time, eventually leading to a collapse.
It is important to address any signs of a failing drain field promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the proper functioning of your wastewater disposal system.
How Do You Fix A Failed Drain Field Issue?
If you suspect that your drain field is failing, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further damage and septic field replacement costs. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and fix a failed drain field issue.
Check for warning signs: The first step is to look for any warning signs that may indicate a problem. These include slow-draining sinks or toilets, sewage backups, foul odors in the yard, or lush green grass over the drain field area.
Conduct a dye test: A dye test involves flushing a colored dye down the drains and monitoring if it appears in the soil above the septic tank or nearby bodies of water.
Inspect the septic tank: If the dye test yields positive results, it is important to inspect the septic tank for any signs of damage or clogs. A damaged or full septic tank can cause the drain field to fail.
Pump and clean the septic tank: You should regularly do septic tank pumping and cleaning (pumped every 2-3 years by a professional) to prevent buildup and avoid potential failures in the drain field.
Consider installing an effluent filter: A septic tank effluent filter can help prevent solids from reaching and clogging the drain field pipes. This simple addition to your system can extend the life of your drain field and prevent failed septic system costly repairs.
Be mindful of what you flush: Your septic system is not capable of handling certain materials such as grease, oils, feminine products, and chemicals. These can clog the pipes and cause damage to the drain field. Properly disposing of these items can help maintain a healthy septic system.
Educate yourself: Understanding how your septic system works and what signs to look out for can help prevent major issues down the road.
Conclusion
The indicators of a failing drain field are crucial for maintaining the functionality of your septic system and preventing potential environmental hazards.
Recognizing warning signs such as slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and standing water in the yard can prompt timely action to address the issue and avoid further complications.
For expert assistance in diagnosing and resolving drain field or septic system concerns, Barnes Sewer & Septic offers reliable and comprehensive services.
We’re committed to providing prompt and effective solutions for all septic system needs. Contact us at (765) 584-7295 to benefit from their expertise and ensure the optimal performance of your septic system.