Can You Replace Your Own Drain Field?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Fortunately,

you do not have to replace your drainfield to return your septic system

to an operational condition. Aero-Stream® has developed a product and process that will fix and restore any type of failed drainfield.

How do you know if your drain field is bad?

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.

Can you repair a septic drain field?


There’s usually no repair for a drainfield

that has failed. You probably need to replace some or all of your system.

How long does a septic drain field last?

It’s important to consider the life expectancy of a drain-field, too. Under normal conditions and good care, a leach-field will last for

50 years or more

. Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and reliable but not indestructible.

Can a leach field be restored?

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. Biological, organic, and inorganic additives can be used to restore functionality to a failing drainfield.

How long does it take for a drain field to dry out?

However, if the pipes aren’t installed properly, you could see failure of the leach field very quickly,

within mere days or weeks

. The average life of a leach field in a conventional system is about 20 years, but again, taking better care of the leach field and septic tank is crucial.

How do you unclog a drain field?


Sprinkle the drain with baking soda, then dump vinegar into the pipe

. Leave the mixture to sit in the pipe for an hour or two. Finally, flush the drain with hot water. If the clog is small, this could be enough to clear the pipe.

Is it OK to drive over drain field?

Can You Drive on a Septic Drain Field? No, driving over your

septic drain field is similarly never ever recommended

. As much as you are able to help it, prevent cars or heavy equipment (such as oil delivery trucks, swimming pool water trucks, cement mixers, and also the like) to drive straight over the field.

How deep is a leach field?

A standard leach line is considered to be three (3) feet wide and

three (3) feet deep

with a length as required.

How often do leach fields need to be replaced?

Under normal conditions and good care, a leach-field will last for

50 years or more

. Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and reliable but not indestructible.

How much does it cost to fix a leach field?

Although costs vary according to the size of the leach field, soils and costs of local permits, expect to pay

between $5,000 and $20,000

for leach field replacement. It is the most expensive component of the septic system.

Can you add dirt on top of leach field?


Never add additional soil over the drain field unless it is a minimal amount used to restore an area that may have been eroded

or pulled up by removing another plant. Try not to be overly zealous when tilling the soil for planting. Remember that the drain lines may be as close as 6 inches from the soil surface.

Can leach field lines be cleaned?

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. … You can use a sewer jetter to clean perforated PVC septic leach field lines from 2′′ to 6′′ ID.

Can a lot of rain cause septic problems?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant

rainfall can quickly flood

the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield

Can a saturated drain field dry out?

The remaining liquid evaporates or penetrates far beneath the surface. That is, unless the surface is saturated. If your drainfield is taking on more water than it can absorb,

it never has a chance to dry out

and make room for more water.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.