What Is A Leach Field or Drain Field?

The leach field has piping and trenching underground to ensure proper drainage of your wastewater from the septic system

A leach field or drain field is a rock filled trench where the wastewater from your residence goes after it flow through your septic tank then into the soil. The wastewater sinks into the soil in the leach field, where it is broken down and filtered by natural bacteria and the soil. The type of leach field can depend on your soil or other factors.

Why is a leach field important?

Most septic system failures are caused by issues with the leach field. When wastewater or solids builds up in the leach field the biological items in the effluent liquid creates a “biomat” at the bottom of the leach line. This biomat causes the soil pores to be plugged up and prevents proper drainage of the effluent into the groundwater.

Common causes of leach field malfunction/failure include: excessive water use, damage from construction or vehicles, water runoff from rainfall, plant roots that interfere with pipes, chemicals that kill the bacteria, and old age. It is important that the leach field is in an optimal location, in a tested field so it has proper drainage and functionality.