Drain field, leach drain, leach field, or absorption field—whatever name you’ve seen it referred to by, you might find yourself wondering—what is a drain field? And do you need one?
What Is a Drain Field?
A drain field is part of your septic system dedicated to distributing waste from the septic tank into the soil. While this waste material might be great for nearby plant life, it can be unhealthy for you and your family if it isn’t disposed of properly, which means your drain field is more important than you might think. It should be noted that drain fields aren’t an issue for you if you live in a home where the waste is directed to the local sewer system. However, if your home has a septic system, understanding the drain field is key.
Do You Need Drain Field Installation?
If you do live in a rural area and already have a drain field, you shouldn’t need drain field installation assistance again unless your system shows signs of disrepair or damage. Drain fields may be damaged by the following:
- Roots entering the drain field area and causing damage to the pipes
- The weight of heavy equipment, cars or trucks driving over the area, or new buildings on top of the drain field, compacting the soil and crushing the pipes so they can no longer drain the area
- As the septic system ages, it becomes overloaded and cannot function well.
If any of these situations occur, it’s time to call William Dustin Septic for new drain field installation or some serious repairs. Your drain field installation should always be handled by an experienced contractor to ensure your wastewater is disposed of safely and efficiently.