How to Maintain a Septic Tank Drain Field

The drain field on your septic system is the part of the system most likely to fail. This is because there are a number of things which homeowners with septic systems either do when they shouldn’t, or things they should do which they don’t. This article will list some items to be aware of.

Don’t Connect Roof Drains

Roof drains should be positioned so as to not drain into the septic system at all. This means don’t hook them up to drain into the septic tank or the drain, or leach field. The added water will saturate the soil, especially during the wet season, and decrease the efficiency of the leach field, possibly even causing damage to it.

Connect Washing Machine Drains to Household Drain System

Washing machines and similar equipment should be set up to drain into the house’s regular drainage system and into the tank. This is because the drainage from a washing machine contains soaps and bacteria which can harm or destroy a leach field.

Inspect Tank Regularly

One of the easiest ways to ensure a healthy leach field is to have the tank inspected a minimum of every 2 years and have it pumped when necessary.

No Heavy Objects

The easiest thing you can do to ensure a healthy leach field is not parking vehicles on it and not putting heavy objects, such as portable swimming pools, over the leach field.