Using Bacteria and Enzymes (biologic additives) to Fix a Saturated Leach Field. Organic and inorganic additives can be used to enhance the efficiency of the septic system draining. The most effective way to fix a saturated leach field is to add specialized bacteria and enzymes to the septic system.
Yes, you can bring your drain field back to life in most cases. There are a few different ways you can do that. Jetting is a process that blasts water through your pipes and tank to clean out any sludge and remove any blockages. Adding additives to the ground can help restore any chemical imbalances in the soil.
Bio-Sol's shock treatment product is made from bacteria and enzymes so it will give you a septic-safe remedy to unclog your leach field!
You can expect your leach field to last between 20 and 25 years with proper maintenance. However, its lifespan could be significantly shorter if it wasn't installed correctly or you don't have your septic system cleaned regularly.
Through proper septic system rejuvenation, the hydraulic capacity of most systems can be boosted by two to five times as its previous capacity. As a result, many homeowners discover that they won't even need to use a portion of their leach field any more.
The most effective way to fix a saturated leach field is to add specialized bacteria and enzymes to the septic system. These biologic additives can break down the biomat and help to restore the flow of water through the leach field. The aerobic bacteria will literally eat biomat turning it into water and CO2.
1. EPA Recommendations: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that additives are generally unnecessary for a well-functioning septic system. A properly maintained system already contains sufficient bacteria to break down waste.
When the drainfield fails, or is saturated with water, sewage may backup into the home. Wet, soggy areas may develop above or near the drainfield and you may see spongy bright green grass over the area. There may also be odors near the tank or drainfield.
In order to keep your septic system running properly, you should avoid building on or near your leach field. While it's important to follow state and local building codes, plan to break ground at least 10 to 20 feet from where your leach field is buried.
It is often possible to clean and renew a clogged septic leach field instead of replacing the drain field lines. Septic field lines can fail to drain when heavy solids accumulate and block perforations in the lines. This is commonly seen in septic systems that are more than 20 years old.
As a diluted form of acetic acid, vinegar is not strong enough to harm the septic system or the vital bacteria within the tank. However, using excessive quantities may disrupt the pH balance in the tank, which can potentially affect the bacteria's ability to break down waste.
Bacterial microorganisms break down the waste inside a septic tank which can then be safely redistributed or disposed of.
Tree roots are a septic system's worst nightmare. They surround the system for its water and damage the leach field and tank. Large roots have been known to crack septic tanks and make mincemeat out of drain fields. Plant trees away from the septic system to avoid root encroachment and damage.
While drainfields, like septic tanks, are designed to last for a long time, they do require maintenance in order to continue to work properly. For a drainfield that has failed, there typically isn't a way to repair it – you'll probably need to replace some or all of your septic system if it stops working correctly.
Once the soil has collected enough of the solids, the leach field becomes "blinded" and unable to "leach". At that point, a new leach field must be used. So regardless of the condition of the pipes, to try to use the old leach field is highly problematic.
How Long Does a Leach Field Last? A properly designed, installed and maintained field will need to be replaced once every 15 to 30 years. If the field is not designed and constructed adequately or receives poor maintenance, it may need to be replaced before the 15 years.
Standing water or muddy ground could also be an indication that your drain field is clogged, which can cause water levels in your septic tank to rise. Sewage odors are coming from your drains, tank or leach field: Sewage odors are one of the first signs that your drain field might be failing.
How Deep Is a Septic Drain Field Buried? Leach field lines are buried three to four feet below the surface during installation.
DON'T plant anything over or near the drain field except grass. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage drain lines. DON'T dig in your drain field or build anything over it. DON'T cover the drain field with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.
No. Ride-on mowers and other garden care equipment will not harm your leach field. You should, however, stay away from it with cars, pick-up trucks, and rubber tired heavy equipment like backhoe loaders.
Pipe Clearing
Clogged pipes in the leach field will be cleared of any solids, roots, and other organic materials to restore proper flow to your field. Broken pipes will be replaced, and the entire system will be tested to ensure proper flow and drainage to avoid contamination of your groundwater supply.
Shock the System with Bacteria
Instead, shock the system with a natural, bacteria-based product. The bacteria will completely digest the FOG in the tank and the leach field as well.
The best plants you can put on top of a septic drain or leach field are shallow-rooted herbaceous plants. These include perennials, bulbs, turf-grass, weeds, groundcovers, and more. A few examples are holly shrubs, boxwood shrubs, azalea shrubs, hollyhocks, wild violets, and spring bulbs.