The drainfield is a vital portion of a complete septic system, but certain events can cause them to fail. Drainfield restoration may help to prevent total failure and potentially save homeowners thousands of dollars. Read here to learn more.
If you are the owner of a septic system, you already know how important it is to protect it from malfunction or failure. Routine pump-outs, timely repairs, and preparation before stormy weather or large gatherings, can go a long way in maintaining a healthy system. Still, even with proper maintenance, drainfield issues and even full failure can occur. While drainfield failure may sound like a hopeless situation, drainfield restoration is available for those who are facing severe drainfield problems. Let’s take a closer look at why drainfields fail and how drainfield restoration can help.
Why Drainfields Fail
There are many different reasons for drainfield issues and failure. Some may be more challenging to prevent, such as oversaturation from flooding and heavy rainfall, but many instances of drainfield problems may be avoided by brushing up a little on the basics of septic care. Here are a few of the most common culprits of drainfield failure:
- Not pumping frequently enough
- Non-septic safe items that have been flushed down toilets
- Trees planted too close to the drainfield
- Excess amounts of water from multiple water-using appliances being run at one time
- Fats, grease, and oils that have been poured down the drains in your home
Though each of these points cause drainfield issues in different ways, clogs and backups are the most typical outcome of each. If your drainfield has failed as a result of these problems, you may wonder if replacement is the only option. Keep reading to learn the truth.
Drainfield Restoration
Replacing a drainfield can cost anywhere from $5,000 and $15,000, on average – but fortunately, drainfield restoration offers a much more affordable alternative if the drainfield hasn’t completely failed. To break it down, drainfield restoration involves a number of professional techniques that remove debris such as roots, solid waste, and non-biodegradable products from your drainfield. Here are a few methods commonly used in the process of drainfield restoration:
- Hydro-jetting: Uses high-pressure water to remove built-up bacteria, fungi, fats, grease, and roots
- Aeration/soil fracturing: Injects compressed air into the soil to break up compaction and restore proper drainage
- Root removal: Targets or eliminates tree or shrub roots that have intruded into the drain field
- Drainfield rejuvenation services: Many providers offer combination packages that include hydro-jetting, soil fracturing, and biological treatments for a more comprehensive restoration.
While these services can be highly effective, it is important to remember that they work best for early-stage problems. If your drainfield has completely failed, meaning water is pooling in your yard or backing up into your home, restoration may no longer provide a solution. 
It is crucial to take action as soon as you notice the signs of drainfield failure appearing. If you do, don’t wait to contact a licensed professional for help.
Signs Of Drainfield Failure
Watching for signs of drainfield issues works best when you actually know what you’re looking for. Here is a list of signs that your drainfield may be failing:
- Foul odors floating around your yard
- Green, lush grass over the drainfield
- Pooling water over the drainfield when it hasn’t rained
- Wastewater backing up through drains in your home
- Drains that are working more slowly than usual
As soon as you see any of these appearing in your home or yard, you can be sure that your septic system is trying to tell you something. Don’t wait until it’s too late – let Acme know about your septic concerns right away.
Don’t Allow Drainfield Issues To Drain Your Wallet
Even if you are facing a serious problem with your drainfield, you don’t have to immediately resort to a full replacement.
Contact us for professional drainfield restoration or repair.