Call us to build your septic tank soakaway drainage field

If you have a septic tank, or are planning on adding one to your property, it’s a good idea to understand the basics of how they work. From pipes to a functioning septic tank soakaway drainage field, there are many parts which need to come together to make sure everything functions. When you are connected to the public sewer network in your area, everything you flush down the toilet, pour down the sink or empty into your outside drains is taken away to be dealt with in a sewage treatment plant and you don’t have to worry about it again. Things are a bit different with a septic tank. That’s because the waste still has to be dealt with. If you are ever in any doubt over building a drainage field, then call Septic Tank Services for expert help.

Emptying your septic tank of solid waste regularly is vital to stop it from overflowing and leaking. This is something we can help with for clients in Scotland or the north of England. However just as important is ensuring you have a suitable soakaway field. But what is a soakaway field, and why is it important? 

A new house on a cloudy day with a white car out front in Scotland.

What is a septic tank soakaway drainage field?

A septic tank soakaway drainage field is an area of your property which is suitable for waste water from your tank to be released. It is made up from an underground network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches. Once your tank has partially treated the wastewater thanks to the good bacteria within, the liquid effluent flows into the soakaway field. Here, it is further treated and dispersed into the soil. It will eventually rejoin the watercourse. 

What makes a good soakaway field?

For the soakaway field to function properly, it needs to have the appropriate absorption rate so that the water dissipates. If this isn’t right, one of two things could happen.

If the ground is too sandy, then the water could percolate into rivers and streams before it is completely purified. This is a health hazard, and can cause problems with nature. On the other hand, if the ground is unable to absorb water – perhaps it is thick clay – then the water will not drain away. This will result in flooding and waterlogging in the area, potentially putting your property at risk.

So the field needs to be able to let water drain away at a suitable rate – not too fast, and not too slow! But how can you tell? That’s where we come in with our special soil absorption tests. Give us a call once you have identified where you would like your soakaway field, and we can make sure it will work properly. 

A house by water in Scotland.

Keep your system healthy

Ultimately, a well designed and built soakaway field extends the life of the entire septic system. Without a functional soakaway field, the septic tank can become overloaded, leading to backups into your property and potential health hazards. Regular maintenance and inspection of the soakaway field ensure the system continues to operate effectively for many years.

We offer such regular maintenance for your soakaway field and entire septic tank system. However there are ways you can ensure its longevity in your daily routine. For example, don’t flush anything that isn’t bio-degradable as these can lead to blockages. Certainly don’t put harsh chemicals down your drain like bleach as this will kill the good bacteria and stop your system from functioning effectively. 

Importantly, keep your soakaway field as just that. Using it as a car parking spot can compact the ground, reducing its absorption rate. Similarly don’t build structures over it. If everything is working perfectly, you might even find that a nice ecosystem emerges in the area and could even attract wildlife!

Field of soakaway dreams

The septic tank soakaway drainage field is a vital component of a septic system. Ensuring it is built properly is the first step to a healthy treatment system. By understanding its importance and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy a reliable and effective wastewater management system. Get in touch with us today to discuss your septic tank and soakaway field plans.