All Clear Septic and Wastewater Services is experienced working with entire septic systems which includes the septic tank but also the leach field or drainfield, d-box (distribution box) and any other associated parts such as a septic pump, if used. Many property owners who have a septic system to treat their wastewater forget that an essential part of their septic system is the leach field, or drain field. A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box and a drainfield, all connected by pipes, called conveyance lines. Your home’s wastewater flows into your septic tank where it is held and solids sink to the bottom and lighter scum floats to the top. The solids and scum are decomposed by bacteria and periodically pumped. The treated wastewater or effluent flows through the distribution box into your drainfield or leach field where it then slowly seeps into the subsurface soil where it is further treated and purified (secondary treatment). There are steps that you can take to ensure that your entire septic system continues to operate correctly including:

  • Minimize the use of the garbage disposal (if you have one)
  • Do not put grease down your drains
  • Spread loads of laundry out over time rather than doing multiple loads in a short period of time, and use liquid detergents rather than powdered detergents
  • Avoid excessively long showers
  • Avoid leaving tap water running when shaving, brushing teeth or doing other personal or household tasks
  • Do not flush medications, harmful chemicals, excessive amounts of bleach, harsh drain cleaners or degreasers
  • Have the septic tank pumped at least every three years
  • Do not add any septic systems cleaners, enzymes or additives
  • Remove water conditioning backwash discharges from the septic system
  • Do not plant trees and shrubs over leach fields
  • Do not flush personal products, paper towels, wipes or diapers
  • Do not clean or rinse paint brushes in the sinks
  • Equip all hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, etcetera with drain limiting valves that will only allow five gallons per minute to drain from fixture
  • Do not drive vehicles over leach fields

Unfortunately a property owner in Westport, MA called us because they had not considered their leach field when planting multiple trees in their yard and they now have leach field problems. We are providing leach field repairs and a septic system education to hopefully ensure that they can prevent similar breakdowns in the future. We have other septic repairs scheduled today in Acushnet, Marion, Mattapoisett and Freetown MA. If you require a septic repair or if you have any questions about your septic system please do contact our Norton office on 508 763 4431 or visit All Clear Septic and Wastewater Services