3 Ways To Restore Your Drainfield

Not all properties have access to a municipal sewer systems. These properties rely on underground waste treatment structures known as septic tanks. A septic system is a complex series of components that all work together to safely treat the solid and liquid wastes sent down a building's drain. If any of these components fail, the septic system malfunctions.

The final component in both residential and commercial septic systems is the drainfield. Drainfields are responsible for filtering organic matter out of the liquid wastewater released from the septic tank. The soil in the drainfield allows the wastewater to percolate. Organic materials are absorbed into the soil and converted into nutrients, while the liquid is eventually discharged into groundwater stores nearby.

A drainfield that isn't working properly could result in clogged drains and the release of raw sewage on the ground's surface. A failing drainfield can, and should, be restored quickly to avoid permanent damage.

1. Additives

Biological, organic, and inorganic additives can be used to restore functionality to a failing drainfield. While all three types of additives can produce results, septic professionals usually advise that their clients utilize biological additives.

Organic and inorganic additives contain strong acids and bases that contribute to the corrosion of a septic tank. Biological additives consist of various strains of bacteria that help improve the soil's ability to absorb organic waste.

The bacteria in a biological additive also help the septic tank process and separate solid waste from the liquid effluent released into the drainfield more efficiently. This improved septic tank efficiency reduces the workload placed on the drainfield over time, which allows the drainfield to function more efficiently as well.

2. Mechanical Aeration

Traditional septic tanks rely on anaerobic bacteria to assist in the breakdown of waste. When a drainfield becomes clogged or begins to malfunction, it can be beneficial to switch to an aerobic septic system instead.

Aerobic systems utilize the power of aeration to create a higher quality liquid effluent that is then released into the drainfield. A compressor blows air into the main septic tank to provide the oxygen needed for aerobic bacteria to survive. These bacteria digest waste in the septic tank up to 20 times faster than anaerobic bacteria would.

Faster waste digestion means fewer organic materials in the liquid released into the drainfield. The soil can more easily process the liquid waste, which restores function to the drainfield.

3. Replacement

Sometimes an existing drainfield's function cannot be restored. Drainfields that have become too clogged to process waste must be abandoned. A second drainfield can be connected to the septic tank to ensure that the system continues to eliminate and process waste properly.

Construct a new drainfield to eliminate future drainfield problems. This can be costly, so consult with a professional to determine if new drainfield construction is right for you. The bacteria within the clogged drainfield will eventually die off and the soil will become less saturated. This allows a septic tank to be successfully reconnected to the first drainfield if the second drainfield experiences any problems in the future.

To successfully process raw sewage in your septic system, you need a functioning drainfield. If your drainfield is acting sluggish, you should take immediate action to remedy the problem. An experienced septic professional can assess the damage and recommend the best restoration method to help you avoid a serious plumbing emergency.

If you are worried about the performance of your waste processing system, contact the experts at Southern Sanitary Systems Inc. Schedule a full inspection for your septic system to identify drainfield problems and rejuvenate your septic system today.