If your home’s plumbing is connected to a septic system, septic pumping, tank cleaning, and other on-going maintenance tasks should be a top priority. Understanding your land’s terrain will also allow you to learn how soil can impact your system as a whole. Here’s some helpful information about why soil is important to your septic system’s drain field. 

What You Need to Know About Soil & Its Impact on Septic Tanks

How Does Soil Affect Septic Systems?

Even though the soil is on the outside of your septic tank and plumbing pipes, it plays a critical role in preparing wastewater as it reenters the ground. The soil located underneath the drain field is the final step in naturally filtering wastewater or effluent coming from your property.

The right texture and the presence of microorganisms within the soil are beneficial to the process. The soil’s organic matter hosts the microorganisms that feed on the harmful bacteria in the effluent. The sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil also help hold and filter the water before it’s released further into the ground.

What Soil Is Ideal for Septic Maintenance?

Clay soil is not recommended for septic systems due to its compact nature. Liquid wastewater will bond to this material blocking its ability to flow, leading to a drain field failure. Course soil allows effluent to flow too quickly. This allows harmful bacteria to make its way into the groundwater before it can be filtered out. 

The best soil for an effective system includes a combination of course materials like silt, sand, and clay. The combination of these three soil particles helps hold and filter the water before it’s released further into the ground. 

Soil tests should be performed before septic system installation and during routine inspections to ensure you have the right mixture of materials and microorganisms. A percolation test will also be done to determine the absorption rate of the soil and whether the intended drain field area can properly collect and filter the wastewater.

If you’re looking for a fully licensed and bonded septic service company, you can count on Southeastern Kentucky Septic Tank Cleaning for timely and affordable work. For over a decade, this trustworthy team has served residential and commercial clients throughout Laurel County, KY, and the surrounding areas. To schedule a free work estimate and learn more about their top-notch equipment and modern techniques, call (606) 862-0911.