Drain fields can be a forgotten component of your septic system, but they play a big part in breaking down and safely dispersing waste. Even if you know how they work, there are some lesser-known facts that may surprise you about your drain field.
- Plants can help optimize your drain field: Did you know that there are many benefits of landscaping your drain field? It can mitigate erosion, and the right plants will also optimize oxygen for the microbes. Just be sure to choose plants with shallow roots that won’t impact the pipes, like boxwood shrubs, hollyhocks, and turf-grass.
- Drain fields need oxygen: Oxygen plays a key role in ensuring that your drain field does not clog, by helping the bacteria thrive so that they can break down any remaining waste before it causes a blockage.
- The lifespan of a drain field is about 20 years: As with many things in life, maintenance is key to getting the most out of drain fields. Avoid parking on your drain field and ensure that rainwater is diverted away from the area, as excess water will slow the process down.
- You can add a second drain field: If you find that you use your system heavily or it is getting overused when you have visitors, you can consider adding a second drain field to increase your water and septic capacity.
Take good care of your drain field, and it will take care of you! If you suspect you have a problem with your drain field or have any questions, give our team a call today to talk with one of our experts.