Drain Field Installation & Repair

Portland / Vancouver Metro - The Dalles - Hermiston OR & Tri Cities WA

When your septic system isn’t working properly, you should waste no time calling a professional. Septic bacteria can pose health hazards and lead to further damage to your septic system.

At Speedy Septic, we have over 40 years of experience in drain field installations & repairs and we proudly serve homeowners and businesses in the Portland OR and Vancouver WA area!

What is a Drain Field?

A septic drain field, also known as a leach field or disposal field, is an underground system consisting of leaching chambers or perforated pipes where wastewater from the septic tank is treated then absorbed into the soil.

How do Drain Fields Work?

A series of shallow and narrow trenches are filled with a network of perforated pipes and a filtration media like gravel or a series of chambers called infiltrator chambers or leaching chambers. This filtration media is to help maintain the structure of the trenches along with providing an additional filtration layer.

Types of Leach Fields

If you’re planning on a drain field installation, you’ll want to consider which type will be most appropriate for your home. Here are the most common variations.

• Equal Distribution Drain Field: This is the most common variation Speedy Septic uses. This drain field is designed to send equal amounts of effluent from the distribution box to a single pipe or multiple pipes connected to the distribution box. This process will help keep the soil from becoming oversaturated as effluent enters the drain field.
• Serial Distribution Drain Field: This system is designed so effluent flows from the distribution box to one pipe and trench until it is fully used, then to another. This drain field works best on a sloped property.
• Dual Drain Field or Alternating Drain Fields: This drain field system involves two series of trenches but only one is used at a time while the other essentially rests. A valve must be flipped to send effluent to the second leach field.

Leach Field Drainage Issues

Leach field drainage issues can be caused by a number of factors including plugged lines, failing septic tanks, and settling. Here are some signs you might have leach field drainage issues.

1. Wet spots on your lawn
2. Greener grass where the drain field is located
3. Sewage odors in your yard
4. Your plumbing is backing up

Septic bacteria can be unsafe for humans and pets, so if you’re experiencing any of the above signs, it is important to contact a professional. At Speedy Septic, we understand how important septic systems are. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to perform your drain field repairs.

What is Biomat in a Septic System?

Biomat is a black jelly-like living organism made up of anaerobic bacteria. It is formed when a drain field is in use. A biomat is a very important part of a drain field because it creates an additional filtration layer made of living organisms that can further breakdown any particles that enter the drain field while also decreasing how fast wastewater permeates the ground.

Is it Okay to Build Over a Leach Field?

It’s not recommended to build or even drive a heavy vehicle over the leach field. You should also avoid planting any trees or shrubs over leach fields because roots may grow into the distribution lines or septic tank.

Experts in Drain Field Installations & Repairs

Whether you own a home or a business, your drain field design will be determined by the amount and condition of your soil. So if you’re in need of a drain field installation & repair, contact Speedy Septic today! We also provide emergency services!

Back to Septic Services