Drainfield Restoration Methods That Might Save Your Septic System

If you're seeing sewage in your yard, there might be a problem with your septic drainfield. Your septic system consists of drainage pipes, the septic tank, and the drainfield. Any of these could become damaged and release sewage, so you may need to call in a septic professional to find out if your drainfield is the problem.

If your drainfield isn't working properly, the contractor might have to install a new one. However, it might be possible to have your drainfield restored. Here are some drainfield restoration methods your contractor might consider.

Fracturing

Fracturing the soil can help if the soil is compacted and not letting wastewater filter through. Fracturing is the process of breaking up the soil by forcing air through it. The air creates tiny pockets that the contractor may fill with pellets so they stay open once your field is back in operation. With the soil broken up, water will drain much better and wastewater will stop backing up in your yard.

Aeration

Aeration might help your drainfield by speeding up how quickly solids in the tank are broken down. The contractor might use a compressor to blow air in the septic tank. The increased airflow allows aerobic bacteria to thrive. Normally solids are broken down by anaerobic bacteria. They are effective, but slower, so encouraging the switch to aerobic bacteria could reduce strain on the drainfield by making the waste easier to process.

Clear Or Repair The Drain Lines

The septic tank has an outlet drain that leads to the distribution box in your septic system. The distribution box has several drain lines that are spread out and buried under the soil in the drainfield. If these pipes are crushed because a vehicle drove over them, waste won't drain properly, and that causes sewage to leak in your yard.

Crushed drains can be replaced by digging up the old ones and removing them. Then new lines can be buried in the field. Sometimes the problem is clogging in the lines rather than a busted drain. It might be possible to clear out the clog with a water jet, especially if the problem is tree roots.

Another type of clog forms sometimes due to the buildup of bacteria and organic matter. This causes a biomat to form in the drains and soil. This problem can be fixed sometimes by using additives to break down the biomat so the drains can empty freely again.

Your septic contractor can discuss suitable options for restoring your drainfield. They also have to consider your state's laws, as some methods of drainfield restoration may be permitted while others may be prohibited in your area.