How to install a leach field

A leach field is an important part of a septic system. It disperses fluid from the septic system over a large area of soil adjacent to the building it services. Building your own leach field is physically difficult, but it can save you lots of money.

Depth. Place the pipes in the leach field a minimum of 6 inches and most likely between 18 to 36 inches deep according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension. Each leach field requires an individual design as soil and water tables vary from state to state and within states.

Leaching chamber systems in septic tank drainfields are typically installed in three foot wide trenches, separated by at least nine feet, edge to edge. Soil backfill is placed along the chamber sidewall area to a minimum compacted (walked-in) height of eight inches above the trench bottom.

It will take time for the groundwater to recede to the level of the bottom of the drainfield. This could happen within a week or two, or require a couple months.

It usually takes a 30% reduction in water use to allow the drain field to recover. In cases of physical damage, system restoration may only require leveling of the distribution box or repairing crushed or broken pipe. If tree roots are interfering with the operation of the soil absorption field, they can be removed.

Conserve Water

Reducing water usage in the home by 30 percent can dry out a soggy leach field. Conserve water by replacing standard faucet and toilet fixtures with low-flow versions and fixing any toilet or faucet leaks. Reduce water sent to the septic system by reusing water in the landscape where appropriate.

Never add additional soil over the drain field unless it is a minimal amount used to restore an area that may have been eroded or pulled up by removing another plant. Try not to be overly zealous when tilling the soil for planting. Remember that the drain lines may be as close as 6 inches from the soil surface.

You can use a sewer jetter to clean perforated PVC septic leach field lines from 2″ to 6″ ID. A sewer jetter can help you scrub away sticky sludge and flush out dirty residue to help reduce the need for subsequent cleaning of the lines.

You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck.

While it’s perfectly safe for children to play over the leach field, heavy equipment can be harmful the system, and even lighter equipment that is difficult to move can become a pain if you ever need to repair your leach field.

A fire pit directly on the field increases the chances of melting the drain pipes underneath, but a fire pit that stands on legs would eliminate that and still allow you to make the most of your limited space.

Paving Over Your Septic Tank

You should never pave over your septic tank. Although soil compaction is not a major issue for septic tanks, there are other dangers presented by placing an insecure septic tank underneath concrete and heavy vehicles.