DRAIN FIELD
MAINTENANCE

Septic Drain Maintenance Miami, FL

The drain field, also known as a leach field, is an integral part of your septic tank system. This is the underground area on your property where the drain field pipes filter the wastewater from the tank into the soil. As your wastewater sinks into the soil, where it is broken down by natural bacteria, neglecting the regular septic drain maintenance in Miami can endanger the environment and your health.

Most septic system failures are caused by issues with the drain field. As the system relies on the leach field to filter and disperse waste, if wastewater or solid waste builds up on the soil at the bottom of the leach field, the soil can plug up and prevent proper drainage.

Here are some common signs that you need drain field repairs:

• Grass over the drain field is greener than the rest of your lawn
• The surrounding area is wet, muddy, soft, or has standing water
• Sewage odor is present around drains, tanks, or the leach field
• Slow running drains or a backup in plumbing

Why do you need septic drain maintenance in Miami

Just as it is important to have regular septic tank maintenance in Miami, you also want to make sure that the rest of your system is being inspected and maintained. This means your drain fields too. Your septic tank can be working fine while your drain fields are not. A drain field that is not working properly can cause septic tank failure and potentially other costly damages. A properly maintained drain field system can last 15 to 25 years. However, if the maintenance of your septic system and monitoring of what is put down your pipes is neglected, its lifespan could be significantly shorter. Additionally, you need to keep in mind where your drain field is and avoid using heavy machinery on top of it if you wish to further expand its lifespan. Most common causes of drainfield malfunction include:

• Draining chemicals, grease, paint, and other complex substances down drains
• Excessive water use in the house and leaking toilets and drains
• Damage from construction or vehicles on top of the field
• Water runoff from excessive rainfall or snow
• Tree and plant roots that interfere with pipes
• Old age

Also, one of the main causes of drain field malfunction or failure is avoiding regular septic tank cleaning. On average, a septic tank should be cleaned every 2 to 3 years, but the exact timing depends on the size of the tank and your household size.

Monitor what you flush

It is very important to monitor what is being flushed down the toilets or poured down the drains in your home. Avoid disposing of cotton swabs, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, napkins, baby wipes, and grease. These items can clog your septic system and septic drains causing waste to back up into your home making you pay for costly repairs. You also have to make sure not to pour bleach, paint, or any other household hazardous wastes down the toilet or your drains. These chemicals can pollute the environment and can cause an early septic system failure.

Save money

As we have already said, neglecting your drain field can cause your septic system to break down. Regular septic tank cleaning and septic drain maintenance is more cost-effective than a septic tank or drain field repairs. Having your septic tank pumped can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 while replacing a septic tank due to failure can cost approximately $20.000.

Protect the health of your family, your community and the environment

When your septic system fails, improperly treated household waste is introduced into the environment. This can pose a significant risk to community health and cause contamination to nearby wells, groundwater, and drinking water sources. Furthermore, chemicals or other household hazardous wastes that are not properly disposed of can contaminate the soil. By regular septic drain maintenance in Miami, you also promote the economic growth of your community. Properties with failing septic systems can cause property values to decline. Failing septic tanks or holding tanks can also contribute to the pollution of local rivers, lakes, and shorelines that your community relies on for commercial or recreational activities.