How a Leach Field Works
A leach field is an essential component of your home's septic system. When everything is functioning properly, you will likely never give the leach field a second thought. However, when you are having problems with your septic you will want to understand how a leach field works. Does this Spark an idea?
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What Goes Into the Leach Field
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Every time you flush the toilet or let water down a drain, that material enters your septic tank. Once in the tank, solid material sinks to the bottom of the tank. Scum and grease float to the top and a baffle prevents them from exiting the tank. Liquid alone enters the leach field.
What Happens in the Leach Field
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The liquid enters the leach field via a pipe from the septic tank. The leach field has several pipes that lead into the ground. The liquid enters one of these pipes and filters down a gravel bed before being absorbed into the ground.
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Leach Field Damage
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A leach field can be damaged when the sludge in your septic tank overflows and enters the field. This sludge can clog the pipes that lead into the ground. If a septic tank backs up into the house, it already has damaged the leach field. You can pump out a septic tank; you can't pump out a leach field.
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