The drainfield is an important part of your septic system. This is the large grassy field located downhill from the septic tank. The effluent goes through its final processing in the drainfield. Problems with the drainfield can lead to raw sewage on your property, so look out for these problem signs.

1. Standing Water

A drainfield is supposed to drain, so any standing water that doesn't drain away within a short period is a major concern. Standing water may sometimes be obvious, such as puddles, but not always. In some cases the drainfield may look dry but will feel spongy or soggy if you walk across it. Sometimes, oversaturation is only a periodic problem, but you may notice dried black sludge or a slimy coating on the grass in the drainfield.

Lush, green grass or the appearance of quickly growing plants can indicate that there is standing water just below the surface. Excessive greening of the grass is a side effect of the high nitrogen in the field caused by improperly processed effluent.

Cause

Oversaturation of a drainfield can have several causes, but the most likely is an overflowing septic tank. If your tank hasn't been pumped recently, it may not be processing the waste properly and too much could be dumped into the drainfield. The field becomes clogged and water begins to pool. Water leaks that overburden the septic system can lead to overflowing tanks, as well.

Damage to the drainfield can also lead to standing water or poor processing of the effluent. Damage can occur if you drive over the field or if tree roots invade the field and cause collapse.

Prevention and Repair

Prevention is simpler than repair. Make sure that your tank is pumped on a regular schedule, before it overfills and overflows. Further, inspect your plumbing fixtures regularly and monitor for water leaks. Quick repair reduces the need for frequent pumping and drainfield issues.

As for avoiding damage, don't drive on the drainfield or plant trees nearby. Trees should be at least 25 feet away from the drainfield. If you suspect damage, have it assessed immediately by a septic service to see if a repair or replacement is necessary.

2. Foul Odors

Your drainfield should be odor-free. If you smell the signature rotten egg or sulfur odor of raw sewage when you are near the drainfield, something is wrong. Odors may accompany other drainfield issues, such as standing water, or they may simply occur without any other immediate signs of trouble.

The foul odor can permeate the entire drainfield, or it may be localized to a certain section or in the area nearest the septic tank.

Cause

Blockages in the drain line are often the cause of foul odors. Like most drainfield issues, the problem stems from a full septic tank. In a clean tank, the solids are broken down before they drain into the field. If the tank isn't pumped regularly, the solids may not break down and will instead enter the drainfield lines and cause a clog.

Putting items into the tank that shouldn't be there, such as hygiene products, can also cause problems. These items can get into the drain line and cause a clog.

Prevention and Repair

Clean out your septic tank to solve the issue. Your pumping service may also need to blow out the lines leading into the drainfield to clear out any clogs that have developed. If a line has completely failed, it may need to be replaced or rerouted to a different section of the drainfield.

In the future, avoid putting items down the drain that could lead to line clogs. Diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products are big offenders, but food items and grease can also lead to drainfield clogs.

Contact Upstate Septic Tank, LLC, for more help with maintaining your septic tank and drainfield.