When you think of your septic system, your mind likely automatically goes to the tank, as some homeowners assume that this receptacle is what is fundamental for the overall performance of their septic system, but this is grossly untrue. The reality of the matter is that your septic system is also highly dependent on the drain field, which is the part of the system tasked with filtration. When the septic system is in operation, the drain field functions to eliminate the pollutant contained in the treated wastewater.
Once these contaminants are removed, the drain field will filter out the purified water onto your property. The blunder that some homeowners make is focussing their attention on the septic tank and forgetting that the drain field requires routine upkeep, too. Consequently, the drain field acquires damage, and this will interfere with the performance of the entire septic system. So how can you tell if your drain field is in dire need of septic system services?
Muddy water in your yard
Although the perforated pipes that make up the drain field will filter water into the soil in your yard, this happens gradually. As such, you should never have to worry about your yard being soaked in moisture. The moment that you notice muddy water collecting in your garden, you should be concerned about an underlying issue with the drain field. In some scenarios, the soil above the drain field could be compacted, and this can be caused by driving over this area.
Compacted soil will clog the perforated drainpipes, and the water will not filter out evenly. Rather, it steadily saturates the spoil. On other occasions, improper or infrequent septic tank cleaning will lead to contaminates clogging the drain field, which will also lead to soil saturation. To mitigate further complications, it is advisable to seek septic system services to restore the functionality of the drain field.
Black sludge and rancid smells
If you do not pay much attention to the discharge that accompanies the pre-treated water, you may not be aware of the fact that it is typically greyish. Therefore, the moment that this slimy emission turns black, you should be concerned about an underlying problem with the drain field. In this situation, it could mean that there is no more oxygen in the drain field.
Consequently, anaerobic bacteria infest the septic system, which leads to the growth of black sludge inside the tank. When this black sludge is left unchecked, it has the potential of clogging the drain field. You should also note that the presence of anaerobic bacteria will typically be accompanied by a rotten egg smell. This stench is caused by sulphides, which are a by-product of the anaerobic bacteria.
