Homes in Salina, KS, often use a septic system for the disposal of waste. A septic lateral drain field disperses waste from the tank into the nearby soil. This is why biological processes will break down the wastewater. Proper installation and routine maintenance can help protect the lifespan of a septic lateral field. Our team at LilyPad Septic is here to help you better understand the factors that impact service life.
Average Lateral Field Life Expectancy
An average lateral field life expectancy is around 15 to 30 years. Achieving a time frame closer to 30 years is achievable with professional installation, maintenance of the drain field, and routine maintenance.
Soil conditions also matter. Soil that drains well allows the lateral field to last for a longer period. Unfortunately, poor soil conditions or lack of maintenance can lead to a lifespan of less than 10 years. Heavy clay or compacted soil holds water easily and leads to early saturation.
Instances that lead to the overloading of your lateral field with excess water can shorten the expected lifespan. It can be a problem if the drain field is too small for the number of occupants in your home. Also, plumbing leaks and high-flow appliances lead to saturation.
The frequency with which you schedule septic tank pumping depends on several factors. The size of your household, the size of your tank, and your water usage habits impact scheduling. Regular pumping removes solids so that they can’t enter your lateral field. If they do, this can clog the biomat and cause failure.
During the planning phase of your septic system, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced professional. This ensures proper sizing of your system, correct trench depth, and the use of high-quality materials. If low-quality materials or incorrect installation practices are used, this can lead to premature failure of your lateral field.
Homes that are situated on land with a high-water table or poor drainage can experience absorption issues. This leads to a compromised lateral field in a short amount of time.
Signs Your Lateral Field is Failing
There are signs that indicate your lateral field is nearing the end of its useful life. Watch out for slow-moving drains in your home or bad smells coming from these areas. If you have areas on your property that are soggy or have luscious green grass, professional intervention is necessary. In many cases, prompt repairs can protect the integrity of your lateral field.
How to Protect Your Lateral Field
Make sure that you’re scheduling professional pumping of your septic tank at least once every three to five years. Our team can help you come up with a more exact schedule that takes your needs into consideration.
Be sure to have a professional repair leaks when they occur. You can also reduce the load on your lateral field by installing high-efficiency fixtures. Also, space apart the use of your plumbing system and water-using appliances. Don’t do laundry at the same time somebody is showering and you’re doing dishes.
The drain field surface should be protected. Don’t drive over the area or allow people to park on it. If you do, this can lead to soil compaction. Avoid planting trees or landscaping in this area. Root intrusion can cause problems later on.
You may want to consider improving the drainage on your property. The goal would be to ensure water doesn’t saturate the lateral field.
Addressing Repairs and Replacement
We can help you come up with a plan for lateral field repair or replacement, depending on what’s going on. Options include resting the field, installing replacement laterals, biological rehabilitation, and the use of an alternative system. It may be time to upgrade if your initial installation no longer meets your needs.
Generally speaking, expect to get around 15 to 30 years from your lateral field. Our team at LilyPad Septic can help you achieve a long field lifespan to reduce repair and rehabilitation costs. Our services include inspections, repairs, maintenance, pumping, cleaning, and more. We have been in the industry for years and strive to maintain a reputation that we are proud of. Contact us at LilyPad Septic today if you live in the Salina area and need septic services.
