Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
What Causes a Leach Field to Fail?
What Causes a Leach Field to Fail?. A leach field, also known as a drain field, is the absorption component of conventional and alternative septic systems on rural properties throughout the United States. Leach fields fail for many reasons, causing back-up sewage and the contamination of underground streams. Primarily, the failure to comply with...
A leach field, also known as a drain field, is the absorption component of conventional and alternative septic systems on rural properties throughout the United States. Leach fields fail for many reasons, causing back-up sewage and the contamination of underground streams. Primarily, the failure to comply with simple maintenance rules leads to a breakdown of the leach field system. Pooling water or consistently wet areas on the leach field might signal that your system has failed.
Poor Construction
Leach fields built in poorly draining soil fail because contaminants in the wastewater are not naturally removed. According to Purdue University's Cooperative Extension, site location, construction, design and soil quality are crucial to the long-term success of your septic system. You can find an experienced septic-system contractor by contacting your local health department.
Failure to Pump Septic Tank
Septic tanks require periodic maintenance. The Anne Arundel County, Md., Health Department recommends having a licensed liquid-waste hauler or disposal contractor pump your septic tank to remove settled sludge at least once every three years, depending on your usage rate and family size. Sludge build-up in the tank can cause sewage to leak into the leach field, contaminating surface soils, ponds, streams and wetlands.
Chemical Additives
A septic system is a natural, living environment. Chemical additives advertised to extend the life of your septic system can actually damage it and cause your leach field to fail. Additives can suspend sewage matter, forcing it into the leach field. Household fats, cleaning chemicals, greases and oils pumped into the septic system also interfere with the natural processing of wastewater.
Invasive Plantings
Deep-rooted shrubs and trees planted on top of or near the leach field can cause significant damage to the septic system by tangling septic pipes. Generally, shallow-rooted shrubs, most flowers and native grasses do not harm leach fields.
Construction and Vehicles
You should not construct patios or walkways over your leach field, even if the leach field is in your backyard. Construction prevents naturally occurring evaporation and can damage pipes and other components of your septic system. Similarly, driving tractors and cars or trucks over the leach field can harm it.
