Standing Water & Flooding Are Common Indications of Drain Field Problems

Posted: Sep 12, 2013
Author: William Dustin Septic

A drain field is responsible for distributing waste that has been processed by a septic system into the soil. This waste seeps into the soil and is broken down by microbes before it evaporates from the soil or moves into the ground. When a drain field fails to perform, it can cause problems for the septic system, resulting in expensive repairs.

Two of the most common problems caused by a malfunctioning drain field are standing water and flooding.

Standing Water

Drain field pipes are at risk of being breached by roots from bushes or trees. When a pipe is broken, waste can seep readily into the drain field. The breakage prevents even distribution of waste into the ground along the length of the pipe, allowing it to escape at the point of breakage. Eventually, it will reach the surface and become standing water.

Standing water can also be caused when a drain field is not able to absorb water flowing through it. This may occur if there’s a lot of rainwater in the ground and the ground can’t process the additional water coming from the septic system.

Flooding

Drain field pipes are perforated to facilitate the escape of processed waste from the septic system. The holes are positioned along the length of the pipes so the distribution of waste in the drain field is even. When the holes are clogged, the pipes are not able to disperse the waste, nor are they able to block any new waste released by the septic tank.

If you need drain field repair or service in Lakeland FL, contact us at William Dustin Septic. We are ready for even the toughest and dirtiest septic jobs! Request a free estimate today.