No one really likes to think about what happens to that waste that goes down the toilet with every flush, but it does have to go somewhere. For most private residences, the waste is pushed through to a septic tank and then possibly a septic drain field. Drain fields are natural remedies to dispose of fluid waste. These large sections of the ground are where liquid overflow goes to dissolve and disintegrate back into the environment where natural bacteria will eliminate it. If your septic system involves a drainfield, there are some things you need to know. Here is a quick look at some of the facts about septic system drain fields:
Drain fields don't last forever.
Just like your septic tank has a limited lifespan, so does a septic drain field. In fact, it is a good idea to relocate a drain field when you replace your septic tank. Over the years, the sludge that accumulates inside of a septic tank can change the flow of both liquid and fluid matter into the drain field. This can cause solid waste to be distributed into the drain field, which can be an environmental problem and a dirty mess you don't want to deal with as a homeowner.
Any time you notice wastewater or solid matter on the surface of the drain field, it is a good indication that relocation is necessary. This basically means that the porous consistency of the ground is no longer porous. Therefore, it is no longer absorbing wastewater as it should.
Drain field replacement can be costly.
Septic system work is often unexpected and can be one of the more costly repair projects on your property in general. According to HomeAdvisor, drain field replacement can cost anywhere between $7,200 and $20,000 on average. The smaller your drain field and the less condensed the soil is, the lower your costs will be and vice versa.
If your drain field has to be relocated, you can expect quite the extensive project to occur. Overflowing lines from the septic tank will be rerouted to the new location, but these lines must be placed several feet below ground to coincide with environmental safety standards. If there are groundwater supplies on your property, the project can be even more intense because the overflow lines may have to be installed a long way from your actual tank. In these cases, the installation of a projectile pump may also be necessary.
Check out a website like http://www.southernsanitarysystems.com for more information and assistance.