The arrangement of a drain field is very simple. Typically, a drain field is a system of downward sloped pipes with holes cut in them that all originate from the septic tank and spread outward. The pipes typically feature a porous material like gravel and are normally buried underground. The arrangement is designed to prevent wastewater from being ingested by animals and to prevent runoff.
How Your Septic System Works
A buried, watertight tank designated and constructed to receive and partially treat raw domestic sanitary wastewater. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank while greases and lighter solids float to the top. The solids stay in the tank while the wastewater is discharged to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersal.
Drip Distribution System
The drip distribution system is a type of effluent dispersal that can be used in many types of drainfields. The main advantage of the drip distribution system is that no large mound of soil is needed as the drip laterals are inserted into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. The disadvantage of the drip distribution system is that it requires a large dose tank after the septic tank to accommodate the timed dose delivery of wastewater to the drip absorption area. Additional components, such as electrical power, are necessary for this system, requiring an added expense and increased maintenance.
Cluster / Community System
The drip distribution system is a type of effluent dispersal that can be used in many types of drainfields. The main advantage of the drip distribution system is that no large mound of soil is needed as the drip laterals are inserted into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. The disadvantage of the drip distribution system is that it requires a large dose tank after the septic tank to accommodate the timed dose delivery of wastewater to the drip absorption area. Additional components, such as electrical power, are necessary for this system, requiring an added expense and increased maintenance.
Drain Field Purpose
Without a drain field, septic tanks would simply overflow, create runoff, and cause a bad odor in your yard. This is exactly what happens when a blockage in your drain field pipes causes the wastewater to stop flowing.