The leach field is arguably the most important component of a septic system. When water leaves a septic tank, it is held in the leach field until it is treated and absorbed by the surrounding soil. These fields can fail for a number of different reasons, which may lead to the need for professional leach field restoration services. Consult the guide below to discover a few main reasons why a drain field can fail. 

A Guide to Causes Behind Leach Field Failures

1. Physical Damage

A leach field should remain clear of vehicles, as driving over it can lead to system failure. Pipes underneath the field can become damaged and begin to leak when driven across. Additionally, driving over a leach field can also erode the soil, which can lead to your septic system becoming exposed to the elements and potential sewage reaching the ground's surface. Construction or paving over a leach field can lead to damage and should be avoided. Even trees can also harm your drainfield, as large roots can grow underneath and compromise the septic system by damaging pipage.

2. Water Overuse

A home's septic system is designed to handle a specific amount of water usage. When more water is used than the system can handle, water can back up and flood the leach field on your property. Overuse of water leading to a backup can be caused by seemingly trivial things, like a leaky faucet, so it's important to address those issues right away. Having more guests than usual in your home can also lead to water overuse, as more people are using the bathrooms. Adding a new appliance to your home that uses water, like a new dishwasher, can also potentially overburden your septic system.

3. Poor Maintenance

Routine septic cleaning and maintenance can help you avoid failures that could lead to a leach field restoration. It is recommended that septic tanks be pumped every three to five years to prevent backups. When a septic tank is functioning properly and not overburdened, it prevents solid waste from reaching the drain field, which may cause soil clogging and a sewage backup in your yard or inside of your home. 

Whether you are in need of a routine septic cleaning or complete leach field restoration, contact the experts at ABC Cesspool & Septic Pumping in Kamuela, HI. They have over 12 years of experience providing professional septic inspections, maintenance, and repairs to homeowners throughout the Big Island. For more information, visit their website or call (808) 887-0766 to schedule an appointment today.