What Is a Leach Field?

How Does A Septic Tank Work?

The septic tank receives wastewater from all draining sources, including sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. There are two tanks in the septic tank. Enzymes and bacteria in the wastewater tank begin to break down particles once the wastewater arrives. As a result, liquids rise to the top of the first tank and flow into the second, where the process is repeated, while heavier solids drop to the bottom of the first tank. The last stage is the leach field. After exiting the second tank, wastewater passes through the perforated pipes multiple times and arrives at the soil, where it is naturally filtered. 

The most important step when it comes to maintaining your system as a homeowner is being aware of what goes down your drains.

• Know that flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper is unacceptable. Even though a lot of marketed wipes or papertowels can be marked as flushable, these never completely disintigrate and will only cause future problems for your plumbing system by clogging it, leading to septic tank repair.
• In your kitchen, do not pour oils and grease down the drains. As time passes, these solidify and have the potential to clog pipes and cause problems in the home.
• Whether it's a minor clog or when you're doing deep cleaning, try not to send many harsh chemicals down your drains. The septic system works on certain bacteria to break down particles, and by sending these chemicals, you may end up killing these bacteria, leaving your septic tank less effective.
• Call professionals for septic tank cleaning on regular basis in order to prevent major problems. If there are any minor repairs, take care of them, otherwise you will need septic tank installation.

Signs You Need To Be Aware Of

You most likely won't even know your leach field is there if it's kept up properly; it should be hidden underground and noiseless. The following could be evidence of a faulty or malfunctioning leach field:

• When you flush, you might notice low flush pressure, slow flushing, or no flushing at all.
• Septic tank smells, leach field smells, or sewer smells from drains
• You may hear the gurgling pipes
• You may experience toilet back-ups
• Water draining slowly
• Wet ground covering the leach field area

Reliable Septic and Plumbing Services

Conclusively, the leach field plays a crucial role in the operation of septic tanks by enabling the safe release of treated wastewater into the soil. To avoid clogging, soil saturation, and expensive repairs, regular maintenance is essential. If you are in search of a reliable septic company, call the plumbers of New Era Plumbing & Septic today to learn more about the services we offer and to schedule your appointment.