How to Construct a Leach Field

Leach fields come in several types, including conventional, mound, dry well, single pipe and multiple pipe construction. To build a leach field, determine what kind of leach field you need. The size of yard, type of soil, and incline of the area need to be considered before choosing the right construction for a leach field. Here, we will go over the process for laying a single- or a multiple-pipe leach field.

Things You'll Need

• Backhoe, shovel or spade
• 4-inch diameter perforated pipe
• Gravel
• Straw
• Topsoil

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Instructions

Determine the Depth of Soil

1. Dig a test hole to determine the type of soil in the ground where the leach field will be constructed. Test for absorption by filling the test hole and calculating the time it takes for the level to go down 1 inch. If the water takes too long to absorb, steps must be taken to boost the absorption ability of the surrounding soil. Adding gravel and sand will aid in absorption

2. Check the grade of the slope from the septic tank to the leach bed. Ideally, there should be a downhill slope into the leach field. If no slope exists, or very little slope, the trenches that will house the perforated pipe should be dug at a slope to meet the leach bed.

3. Mark the path the trench will follow to the leach field with stakes, chalk or spray paint. As you are digging, be sure to keep the trench sloping down. The trench should be, at most, 18 inches deep. For multiple pipes, keep trenches at least 5 feet apart.

4. Fill the trench with 6 inches of gravel for drainage. Lay the perforated pipe. The pipe should be no deeper than 12 inches below ground level. Add more gravel around the pipe, cover with straw, then fill the rest of the space with dirt, being careful not to smash the pipe. Mound the dirt on top of the trench and plant grass or lay sod on top.

Tips & Warnings

• Save the sod that is dug up to place back on the trench.

• Take necessary safety precautions if using heavy machinery.

References

• Septic