How to know when drainage fields for septic tanks need replacing

Sometimes it’s easy to forget about the humble drainage field. It just sits there, day in day out, doing its little drainage job, bothering nobody. But then, one day, you notice that something isn’t quite right. Maybe it’s a bit boggy, or a bit smelly. Maybe there are strange noises as if beings from the underworld are trying to escape through your back garden. Well if any of this sounds familiar, then it’s probably time to call in the experts. We can come and get your field back to full health anywhere in Scotland or the north of England. But if you want to know more about when drainage fields for septic tanks need replacing, then read on.

Signs your drainage field is having problems

Also known as leach fields, these areas are a vital component of your wastewater system. It is where your waste water is let back out on to the ground to continue its filtration back down before rejoining the water cycle. But if it’s not working correctly, you need to fix it quickly before it starts casing problems like polluting the environment or causing issues in your home. 

One of the first you might notice is a gurgling noise form your pipes. This can be an indication that water is not flowing freely through your pipes, perhaps because your drainage field is blocked. This can happen if there has been soil compaction, perhaps from cars on it. Whatever the cause, always keep an ear on your drains.

You might also smell some bad smells. Now, bad smells can indicate a number of problems when it comes to septic tanks, but if you are getting a nasty whiff near your drainage field then that’s the best place to start looking for issues. 

Also, when you are visiting your field, keep an eye out for any vegetation looking unusually healthy. As we’ve mentioned before, sometimes this can be the result of an overfilled septic tank, but it can also be a problem with your drainage pipes. This can be due to too many nutrients leaking through and not draining properly. 

Watch out for water

Just because you have a septic tank shouldn’t make you any more likely to suffer form flooding if you keep an eye on things. If your field is unusually wet and boggy, then the water isn’t able to drain away efficiently anymore. This might be reflected in your home with slow-draining water from your sink. If this happens, go check out your field. 

A drainage field might start to see problems if there are too many roots growing around it. Maybe when it was installed it was out on its own with nothing near it, but over time trees and bushes may have crept in. Too many roots can cause pipes to be moved or broken, creating chaos for the system. Try to keep the area clear of all large plants to avoid this from happening. 

Call us for help

If you realise something has gone wrong with your field, give us a call. Drainage fields for septic tanks only last around 20-30 years before it needs replacing so it’s worth having a health check if yours is getting a bit long in the tooth. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help and offer advice throughout Scotland and the north of England.