You may not know it, but the drainfield is one of the most critical components of a healthy and functional septic system. It's the component where wastewater filters into the soil, and without it, your system can get backed up or worse. When the drainfield isn't performing as it should, problems can escalate quickly, and before you know it, the entire septic system could be in jeopardy. However, there is a lifeline that can help prevent this catastrophe — and that's drainfield restoration.

The Basics of Drainfield Restoration

The primary goal of drainfield restoration is to improve the soil's ability to absorb and filter water, which is crucial to the function of a septic system. It's an alternative to completely replacing the drainfield, which can be both disruptive and costly. 

The Drainfield Restoration Process

How the pros execute drainfield restoration varies depending on the specific situation, but there are a few common steps. Initially, the septic tank is pumped to reduce the amount of incoming water. This step buys some time to rectify the drainfield issue without putting excess strain on the system.

Next, the soil in the drainfield is treated to improve its absorption capability. This treatment could involve the use of high-pressure water jetting to break up and remove clogs, or seeding the soil with beneficial anaerobic bacteria to break down and consume organic waste, or sometimes both. 

The last step is taking action to reduce the future strain on the drainfield, and this is where the process really varies depending on your system's problem. This might involve repairing leaks in the home or adjusting water usage to decrease the amount of water that ends up in the septic system. This helps ensure that the problem doesn't happen again anytime soon. 

The Benefits of Drainfield Restoration

Restoring your drainfield has tons of benefits over replacement, making it a no-brainer if you're having problems with your existing drainfield. By addressing issues before they spiral out of control, a drainfield restoration can add years of service to a septic system.

Plus, drainfield restoration is usually more cost-effective than complete drainfield replacement. While the restoration does have costs associated with it, they are typically much less than the expense of excavating and installing a new drainfield.

Finally, drainfield restoration is less disruptive to the landscape compared to actually replacing a drainfield or septic system. The work is primarily done within the existing drainfield area, avoiding the need for extensive digging or the destruction of lawns or gardens.

Prevention Is Key

While drainfield restoration is an excellent option for a failing system, prevention is always the best strategy. Regular maintenance, including routine septic tank pumping and timely repairs, can prevent many drainfield problems from occurring in the first place.

Besides, being mindful of water use and what goes down the drains can make a significant difference. Excessive water use and inappropriate waste (like grease, chemicals, or non-biodegradable items such as diapers, wipes, and tampons) can strain a septic system and lead to drainfield failure.

Don't hesitate to restore your drainfield if you suspect severe clogging or other issues. By addressing the problem promptly and effectively, restoring your drainfield can help prolong the life of a septic system, saving both money and hassle in the long run.

Reach out to a septic contractor to learn more about drainfield restoration.