If you own a septic system, you might not be familiar with all the technical details of its operation. While we often hear that April showers bring May flowers, the spring rainfall might not be the only factor causing puddles to form in your yard. You might be wondering, “Why is my drain field wet?” This could indicate that your septic system requires some attention and care.
A septic tank, drain field, and all the associated piping are the basic parts that compose a septic system. A wet drain field often reveals itself through excessively damp ground, standing puddles, or pools of water that persist even during dry weather conditions. You may have noticed other signs along with the wet drain field, such as:
- Foul smells from around the drain field
- Plumbing fixtures that are slow-draining, back up frequently, or make strange gurgling noises
There are a few different problems that could potentially be the cause of wet surface soil above the septic drain field:
Overload of Water Usage Habits or Heavy Rainfall
Excessive water usage habits and heavy rainfall can overwhelm a drain field, leading to saturation and wetness. Everyday activities like laundry and bathing, along with water-intensive appliances, contribute to the problem, while heavy rain makes it worse by inundating the drain field with excess water. When the volume of water exceeds the drain field’s capacity to absorb and disperse it, saturation occurs, resulting in standing water and soggy ground.
Debris Buildup & Clogs
Unfortunately, nearly all drain fields tend to be blockage-prone. These blockages could be caused by invasive tree roots or dumping grease, oils, or other non-biodegradable materials down household drains. These blockages may be due to the bacteria’s inability to break them down in the septic tank.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent blockages or clogs that cause wetness in your drain field. With invasive roots, carefully remove the roots and transport them so that they are a good distance away from your system. Also, regardless of the source of the problem, immediately stop the disposal of grease, oils, and non-biodegradable products in any household drains. For more comprehensive information about what you can and can’t put down your kitchen drain, refer to this helpful blog post here. If you haven’t done this before, a good idea would be to hire an expert to pump out your septic system.
Absence of Beneficial Bacteria
Resident bacteria break down the solid waste materials introduced to the septic system and are essential to the system’s proper function. With improper drain use, however, the bacteria can disappear. In excessive amounts, chemical products, such as strong solvents and antibacterial cleaners, can corrode system components and cripple the population of good bacteria. This hinders the system’s ability to decompose solid waste materials, and the buildup can clog the drain field system.
To prevent this from happening, avoid dumping household cleaning products and have a professional remediate the system with non-pathogenic bacteria.
System Component Damage
Though drain field components can be damaged in all sorts of ways, they are most commonly related to soil compaction, root invasion, and the overall age of the system. Both heavy structures and vehicles above the drain field can cause soil compaction. The resulting weight can crush and break vital subsurface components, inhibiting any effluent channeling. On the other hand, invasive roots are the most prevalent cause of cracks and gaps in system parts.
If you don’t happen to know how old your system is, you can get an estimate from an expert. Miller's Services can also determine whether any system components need to be replaced.
Lack of Maintenance or Age-Related Issues
Regular maintenance and pumping are crucial for the longevity and proper functioning of a septic system. In the event that you fail to have your system pumped, a total septic system failure can occur. Neglected systems are prone to developing wet spots above the drain field, which can escalate into sewage pooling on the surface.
If that’s not enough to convince you already, you’ll likely be met with hefty repair costs or even the need for a complete septic system replacement. Scheduling routine assessments and pump-outs with qualified professionals is essential to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your septic system.
If you’ve noticed wet soil above your septic drain field, call us at (804) 758-7100! We can check it out and take care of everything for you. Having served the Gloucester, York, and Williamsburg areas for over 50 years, we have now expanded into the Northern Neck, Central Virginia, and Northern Richmond areas. Our septic service experts are highly trained and qualified individuals, and we are happy to serve you.
