Filtration through the soil in the drain field is the last step in the wastewater treatment process of a septic system. The quality of the earth surrounding it impacts how well effluent is filtered before being released into the environment. To understand whether the soil makeup on your property is helping or hindering septic system performance, read below.   

The Right Soil Composition For Septic Systems

Soil is made up of plant material, sand, silt, and clay. The pores between the solid material contain air and water. Different soils have varying proportions of these materials, which impacts their absorption capability and other properties.

Soil with high concentrations of sand, for example, is rough and granular, while the texture of damp, clay-based soil is often gummy. Texture is a significant factor in how long it takes soil to absorb effluent in the drain field. Sand-based soils are most effective at filtering effluent quickly.

Consequences of Poor Soil in the Drain Field

During a professional soil assessment, a technician will examine the texture as well as the density and color of the dirt. Contamination of nearby water sources could happen when soil is too coarse, which is often the case with high concentrations of gravel. That’s because effluent passes through the earth before it’s sufficiently filtered. As clay particles make soil clumpy when wet, effluent will pass through the earth more slowly, causing potential septic system backups.

If you’ve experienced septic system problems, contact the trained technicians at A & C Septic Tanks & Portable Toilets LLC in Douglas, GA, for help. With a thorough inspection, these knowledgeable professionals will determine whether inadequate soil, equipment failure, or another issue is at fault. They’ll also provide quality septic repair, pumping, and drain cleaning to correct the problem. Learn about their services online or call (912) 383-7005 for an appointment. To tell others about your experience, post feedback on Facebook.