What to do if you have a problem with your leach field?
If you are experiencing any of the signs listed above, or notice other issues with your leach field and septic system, give us a call at 800-595-7907 or submit the form on this page. Our experienced technicians can address the problem, and work to resolve the issue in a timely and cost-effective manner.
How to fix a soggy septic leach field?
Solutions for a Soggy Leach Field 1 Conserve Water. Reducing water usage in the home by 30 percent can dry out a soggy leach field. ... 2 Clean Out the Tank and Pipes. A septic tank full of solids will overflow into the outlet pipe, clogging the leach field and resulting in puddles on the surface of ... 3 Spread Out and Rest. ... 4 Tile It. ...
Do leaching fields need to be replaced?
All leaching fields will eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper care and maintenance, your leaching bed should serve you well for decades. The leaching bed uses aerobic bacteria on the receiving soil to purify the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater.
Do all septic systems have leaching lines?
Not all septic systems have leaching lines. There are a number of options that are available to people in new construction or replacement. This guide will cover aspects of leaching beds and
What is an alternative to a septic system?
Mound systems work well as alternatives to septic tanks when the soil around your home or building is too dense or too shallow or when the water table is too high. Although they are more expensive and require more maintenance than conventional systems, mound systems are a common alternative.
What is an ATS septic system?
An aerobic treatment system (ATS), often called an aerobic septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used in septic systems.
Can you pour concrete over leach field?
Paving Over Your Septic Tank You should never pave over your septic tank. Although soil compaction is not a major issue for septic tanks, there are other dangers presented by placing an insecure septic tank underneath concrete and heavy vehicles.
What is an alternative septic system in Arizona?
ALTERNATIVE (or Alternate) SYSTEM: These are advanced technology treatment systems that are required when site/soil conditions prevent the use of a conventional septic tank system.
What is aerobic sewage treatment?
What is aerobic wastewater treatment? Aerobic wastewater treatment systems use oxygen-feeding bacteria, protozoa, and other specialty microbes to clean water (as opposed to anaerobic systems that do not need oxygen).
How does an Imhoff tank work?
The Imhoff tank is a primary treatment technology for raw wastewater, designed for solid-liquid separation and digestion of the settled sludge. It consists of a V-shaped settling compartment above a tapering sludge digestion chamber with gas vents.
Can I put pavers over a leach field?
You can't build a paver patio on top of a septic tank, and doing so could be against the planning laws of your state or local area. Septic tanks can take very little weight without getting damaged, and you'll also need access to the tank in the future too. You shouldn't build a deck on one either.
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 I put a fire pit on my leach field?
A fire pit directly on the field increases the chances of melting the drain pipes underneath, but a fire pit that stands on legs would eliminate that and still allow you to make the most of your limited space. That said, compaction is one other possible problem of which to be aware.
How much does it cost to install a septic tank in AZ?
A complete septic system—including a leach field (also called a drain field), tank, and piping—costs $10,000 to $25,000. Additionally, septic tanks cost between $3,223 and $10,581, or $6,883 on average for large units designed for community systems.
Can you install your own septic system in Arizona?
SITE EVALUATION - Although conventional septic systems may be installed by the homeowner if certain criteria are met, the site evaluation must be done by an Arizona- registered professional engineer, geologist, sanitarian, an appropriately licensed septic or plumbing contractor (K-41 or L-41) who has completed training ...
How much does it cost to put in a well and septic system in Arizona?
Cost To Put In Well and Septic System. A septic system costs $3,280 to $5,040 to install by itself on average. The cost to put in a well and septic system ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 depending on the type of septic system, type of absorption field, size of the septic tank, and depth of well drilling required.
What is the alternative to a septic system?
The final alternative to traditional septic systems is known as drip irrig ation, or distribution. This system uses a pump to deliver sewage through a filtering device and then to a series of shallow drip tubes that extend over a large space. In this case, a pretreatment component is generally needed in order to deliver relatively clean water to the system. Drip irrigation systems can be used with shallow soils, clays, and on property with steep sloping.
How deep is a septic mound?
They are generally positioned about two to three feet deep and covered on all sides with topsoil. Unlike conventional septic systems, a mound system implements an additional component, a dosing chamber, for collecting the wastewater that exits the septic tank.
What is a Perc Test?
A Perc Test, also referred to as a “Perk Test,” and previously as a Percolation test, is an evaluation conducted on your soil to determine the rate at which water drains through it.
How does a septic system work?
The wastewater from your septic tank is led through a perforated pipe and distributed across this bed of materials. Bacteria , plant roots, and other microorganisms will work to break down the pollutants from your wastewater. Then, an additional pipe at the back of the wetland will collect the treated water.
What is aerobic wastewater treatment?
When properly installed and preserved, aerobic systems can be a high quality, excellent wastewater treatment alternative to traditional septic. 3. Cesspool Systems. Simply put, a cesspool is a ditch in the ground, whose walls are lined with metal, stone, or cement.
What is a septic system?
When it comes to a septic system, it is essentially a series of pipes under your property that wastewater drains into. If the soil isn’t moist enough to allow for drainage, the system simply will not work. In this case, an alternative septic system will be required. Additionally, environmentally sensitive areas and waterfront properties may require ...
Why do you need a pretreatment component for drip irrigation?
In this case, a pretreatment component is generally needed in order to deliver relatively clean water to the system. Drip irrigation systems can be used with shallow soils, clays, and on property with steep sloping.
What is clogging your leach field?
Like the septic tank, the leaching bed cannot last forever. All leaching fields will eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper care and maintenance, your leaching bed should serve you well for decades. The leaching bed uses aerobic bacteria on the receiving soil to purify the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater. These bacteria break down organic matter and also help eliminate viruses and reduce nutrients in the wastewater. When your leaching bed is in good working order, the wastewater from your home is well treated before being returned to the water cycle. However, clogging in the leaching bed interferes with this process, resulting in inevitable environmental pollution. So, before look at how to unclog your leach field, let’s see what’s clogging it…
How to unclog your leach field?
You should attempt to repair your leaching bed as soon as you notice a problem with the system. Otherwise, the problem can get worse and cause wastewater overflows. These overflows are dangerous for you and the environment. Furthermore, it is forbidden to pollute the environment and the local authorities could force you to replace your septic system.
How long does a septic leach field last?
A well-maintained weeping bed should last at least 25 years, but it may be shorter or longer depending on a few factors. Most leaching fields fail due to biological or hydraulic overload. Hydraulic overload occurs when too much water is sent to the septic tank. For this reason, it is recommended that tasks such as laundry be spread out during the week instead of doing too much at once. This prevents hydraulic overload of the system. Biological overloading occurs when too much organic material reaches the leaching field. As a septic system owner, you must be very careful about what you discharge to the wastewater treatment system. The only solid waste that should go into your septic system is toilet paper and feces. In addition, we recommend the regular use of biological additives to increase the efficiency and longevity of the system. Bio-Sol’s Septi + can prevent biological overload in your system by maintaining a very active bacterial flora.
How do you know if your leach field is failing?
The most obvious sign of a failing leaching bed is, of course, the overflow of wastewater to the surface. If the receiving soil in the leaching bed cannot accommodate any more water, the effluent will rise to the surface of the soil or, in some cases, flow out the end of the trenches. The main reason the effluent stops flowing is because too much biomat is being produced. Here are some signs to look for to see if you need to unclog your leach field…
How much does a new leach field cost?
If you can use a conventional septic system, it will cost you between $5,000 and $12,500. However, if you need to install an advanced system, the replacement will cost you much more (between$15,000 and $30,000).
How does wastewater flow from a septic tank to a leaching bed?
Wastewater generally flows from the septic tank to the leaching bed by gravity. However, a pumping station can also be used to allow the wastewater to reach the leaching bed when conditions do not allow for the simple use of gravity . The wastewater then enters the leaching bed, flows through the crushed stones, ...
What is a leach field?
The leach field, also referred to as a drain field, receives the wastewater from the septic tank. This section of the septic system consists of a network of perforated PVC drain pipes, crushed stone and a layer of unsaturated soil. Wastewater generally flows from the septic tank to the leaching bed by gravity.