What is a leach drain?

Septic systems are commonly used in rural areas for wastewater treatment. The components of septic systems are a septic tank and a leach drain. The leach drain is also known as the septic drain field or leach field. Septic Tank separates the wastewater into sludge, scum, and effluent which is then discharged to the leach field.

So what exactly is a leach drain?

The leach field is an underground wastewater disposal area consisting of perforated pipes to evenly distribute the effluents released from the septic tank.

It is built to treat the effluent through the microorganisms present in the soil, to protect animals and nearby areas from contamination.

How does a leach drain work?

There are three components of the leach drain:

1. Soil - Depending on the quality of the soil, the drain field is designed. Firstly, a percolation (or perc) test is conducted on the soil to evaluate the water absorption rate. Sandy soils drain water easily while clay soils are the slowest.
2. Pipes - The pipes have holes on the bottom to release the effluent evenly into the soil and they run throughout the leach field.
3. Aggregate i.e. particulate material consisting of stone, sand, gravel, etc. helps in spreading the effluent evenly in the soil. The microorganisms present in the soil absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater.
4. Absorption trenches - They are holes excavated in the soil which contain piping, gravel and topsoil. This trench is then used to release sewage waste from toilets and greywater from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry waste.

 

Design of the leach drain

The design of the leach drain will depend on different factors such as:

1. Type of soil - soil type determines the size of the leach field.
2. Amount of waste that needs to be disposed of.

Usually, there are multiple leach beds in the drain field. It enables the drain field to treat the water efficiently and gives the drain fields time to recover.

 

Maintaining your leach field and septic system

A septic system installed in a household can last for decades if it is maintained properly. Here are some handy tips to maintain it:

1. Avoid flushing grease, harmful chemicals, and non-biodegradable products.
2. Practice water conservation while taking showers, doing dishes, or washing clothes.
3. Do not drive over the leach field.
4. Get the septic system checked annually by a professional.
5. Ensure you get the septic tank pumped every 3 years.

Check out these resources to learn more about septic systems.

Maintaining a healthy septic system

Read the dos and don't’s of septic systems.

Common problems with septic systems

One of the most common problems affecting septic systems is a damaged leach drain. Over a period of time, the materials build up and cause the soil to become clogged.

In case the system is clogged, a septic system specialist will need to install a new leach drain or pump out the septic tank.

6 signs your leach field is failing

1. Bad odour around your septic tank or leach field.
2. Your drains or toilets are creating a gurgling noise.
3. You have to flush repeatedly.
4. You can see puddles of water over your septic tank or drain field.
5. Grass over the leach field is greener.
6. You can see a massive hole in the absorption area. This usually indicates that your drain field has collapsed.

Talk to leach drain specialists today

If you have noticed any of these signs, the best option is to contact a trained professional. Express Wastewater are expert in the field of leach fields, septic systems and wastewater in South-East Queensland. For more information, call us on 1300 722 517 or complete a job booking form .