Three Dangers of Heavy Vehicular and Foot Traffic Over Your Septic System's Drain Field

Your septic system's drain field plays a crucial role in the process of treating and discharging wastewater from the home. The drain field, or leach field, comprises small perforated pipes that collect effluent from the septic tank. These pipes discharge the effluent into the soil for treatment and drainage. For the drain field to work efficiently, there must be no heavy vehicular traffic or construction work on top of the soil. Below are three problems that may arise if you expose your leach field to heavy foot and vehicle traffic. 

Soil compaction

Do you frequently park cars or machinery on your drain field? The weight of heavy machinery can compact the soil in the area. The soil must be properly aerated for effective treatment and discharge of effluent. This is because the aerobic bacteria that break down and treat wastewater need oxygen to survive. Compaction eliminates the air pockets in the soil, suffocating the aerobic bacteria and causing them to die. This slows down wastewater treatment and discharge, causing effluent leaks in the yard.

Crushed leach field pipes

Driving over the drain field can cause damage to the drainage pipes. Similarly, constructing structures on top of the soil can lead to the accidental rapture of the lines. Physical damage to the pipes leads to sewer leaks. Consequently, leaking sewage causes unpleasant odours in the backyard and exposes your household to raw sewage. If you notice wet patches over the drain field, limit foot and vehicle traffic in the area. You must repair the damaged pipes to contain the leak and protect your household from direct contact with sewage.

Limited access to the drain field

Drain fields require regular inspection and maintenance to function optimally. Below are some crucial maintenance tasks you need to perform annually.

• Check the soil for compaction
• Inspect the drain field for leaks and poor drainage
• Inspect the supply lines for damage
• Repair the old and worn leach field pipes

If you construct hardscapes and structures, such as detached patios over the drain field, you won't be able to access it for repairs. Similarly, if you use the drain field as a parking spot for machinery, system defects may go unnoticed. Leave the drain field bare to allow for proper inspection and maintenance. You can plant shallow-rooted plants over the area to improve curb appeal.

Avoid parking vehicles or constructing structures over your drain field to optimise its performance and increase its lifespan. If you experience slow drainage and sewer leaks due to soil compaction and pipe damage, contact a septic contractor for immediate repairs.

Reach out to a septic system services company to learn more.