top of page

How to Tell If a Drain Field Is Failing


How to Tell If a Drain Field Is Failing

Maintaining your conventional septic system is important for the well-being of your home and the surroundings. A drain field is a part of a septic system. The drain field is typically a series of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches in the ground and its function is to remove waste from the tank and send it to pipes that slowly and evenly distribute the liquid into the soil particles. At the heart of a septic system lies the drain field, also known as leach fields and leach drains, the component responsible for safely dispersing and filtering the wastewater from your septic tanks. If the drainfield is overloaded with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups in toilets and sinks.


Understanding How A Drain Field Works

The drain field, also known as the leach field or soil absorption system, is the final stage of your septic system's treatment process. At the core, it comprises perforated pipes, which are often made from PVC or other hard resins. These pipes are designed to distribute wastewater evenly throughout the drain field. After wastewater leaves the septic tank, it flows into drain fields, where it is dispersed and filtered through the soil. This natural leach field filtration process removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from soil, to make sure that the treated water is safely returned to the groundwater system.


Recognizing the Signs of Septic Tank Drain Field Failure

Identifying the early warning signs of failing septic drain fields is the key to addressing the issue before it escalates into a major problem. By keeping an eye out for the following indicators, you can take proactive steps to prevent clogs and environmental damage.


Damaged underground pipe illustration

1. Slow Drainage

One of the most common signs of failing drain fields are slow drainage in your RV or home's plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, tubs, and toilets. If you notice that drains are taking longer than usual to clear, it could be a sign that the drain is struggling to keep up with the volume of wastewater being discharged.


This slow drainage is often caused by a clogged or saturated drain field in the septic tank, where soil has become overwhelmed with the amount of wastewater it can process. As the drain field becomes less efficient, the wastewater has nowhere to go, leading to a backup in your home's plumbing system.


If you need a solution to this clog, reach out to Purge Ventures for a product that can handle and fix any clog in your home or RV!


2. Foul Sewage Odors

Another sign of a failing drain field is the presence of unpleasant odors around your system or in your yard. These foul smells are typically caused by the release of gasses, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, which are produced during the decomposition of organic matter in the septic systems, septic tank and drain field.


3. Green Vegetation

While a green lawn is generally a sign of a healthy, well-maintained yard, in the case of a failing drain field, it can be a cause for concern. Excessive vegetation growth, particularly over the drain field area, can be a sign that the soil is receiving too many nutrients and moisture from the leaking wastewater.


Grass field with brown patches

4. Pooling or Soggy Soil & Sewage

One obvious sign of a failing drain field is the presence of standing water or soggy soil conditions in the area surrounding the drain field. This can occur when the drain field becomes clogged or oversaturated, preventing the wastewater from seeping into the ground.


5. Algal Blooms in Nearby Water Sources

If your septic systems or alternative systems are located near a pond, lake, or other water body, a failing drain field can have a noticeable impact on the surrounding aquatic environment. One sign of this is the presence of algal blooms in the water.


Green algae forming on water

6. Increased Coliform Bacteria in Well Water

For homes with a private well, failing septic drain fields can also lead to the contamination of the well drinking water supply. One of the key indicators of this is an increase in the levels of coliform bacteria, found in human and animal waste.


7. Gurgling Sounds in Plumbing Fixtures

Another subtle sign of a failing drain field is the presence of gurgling sounds coming from your home's plumbing fixtures or conventional system, such as sinks, tubs, or toilets. These gurgling noises are often caused by a blockage or obstruction in the septic system, which can prevent the proper water flow of wastewater and septic tank effluent into the septic drain field.


As the liquid wastewater backs up in the pipes, it can create air pockets that cause these distinctive gurgling sounds when water bodies are drained or flushed. 


8. Visible Damage or Deterioration

In some cases, the signs of a failing septic drain field and alternative systems may be more visually apparent, such as visible damage or deterioration of the drain field itself. This can include cracked or broken pipes, sunken or uneven ground, issues with the distribution box, or the presence of exposed gravel or stone in the drain field area.


Proactive Maintenance for Healthy Drain Fields

For a quick and effective solution, try our Purge All-In-One 32oz! This powerful, bacteria-based product helps to naturally break down waste and keep your septic system running smoothly. Don't wait until it's too late – click here to purchase Purge All-In-One 32oz now and guarantee the longevity of your septic system.


Septic system treatment advertisement

Comments

Share Your ThoughtsBe the first to write a comment.
bottom of page