Septic Tanks, Drain Fields and Rain Water

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Septic Tanks, Drain Fields and Rain Water

There are many reasons why septic tank systems and drain fields fail. Usually, it is due to the lack of preventive maintenance on the part of the homeowner. Anti bacteria products like antibacterial hand soaps and general cleansers that are introduced into the septic tank system and drain field kill off beneficial coli form bacteria that create the digestion process breaking down the solids that are generated by household waste.

One of the less common problems associated with septic tank problems is water, lots of water as in a home owner with a high water table. The earth becomes saturated and the drain field fails to absorb the effluent created by the septic tank and drain field. If you have a high water table and are looking for a few alternatives to divert water, continue to read on and I hope this article will help you become better informed as to water problems and some home remedies.

One of the first things I would recommend is to hire an excavator to bring in some dirt and build a slight grade or swale over your drain field. This will help to direct rain water away from the septic tank and the septic tank drain field.

Rain barrels are another way to capture water and direct it away from your septic tank and drain field. Rain barrels are the containers used to harvest rain water. Harvesting rainwater also provides you with a reliable water system where you don’t have to end up being a victim to a drought. When droughts occur, water restrictions are enforced and you certainly can’t water your lawn or fill your outdoor swimming pool. When you incorporate rainwater harvesting into your lifestyle you are being green, saving money and potentially saving expensive repairs on your septic tank and drain field.

When one collects and stores rainwater, you don’t have to rely on it to rain to quench the thirst of your lawn and gardens. Rainwater harvesting dates as far back as the third millennium BC in India where stone gravel was utilized. Countries all over the world, from Thailand to the United States, are exploring the advantages of collecting rainwater. Best of all, rainwater is free and by collecting it you may save your septic tank and the drain field from flooding reducing the productivity of the system.

The majority of people who collect rainwater do not collect rainwater for all their water needs. Other sources of water, maybe from a well or the city, are most likely used in conjunction with rainwater harvesting. The water you obtain by way of rainwater harvesting is ideal for watering plants. Your vegetable gardens will soak in water that is free of chemicals and other supplements that are added to the water you receive from the city.

Most rainwater systems are easy to install and can be used with your present gutter system. Rainwater containers come in many different sizes and styles. So whatever type of home you have, there is a container to complement the outside décor of your home. There are elaborate rainwater systems, and if you are planning to have one of these systems installed for more of your water needs, the price can be considerably high. A simple rainwater container will most likely have a spout for the water to flow out of and come with a screen so insects, like mosquitoes are not able to enter your collected water.

After you have filled your rainwater containers, be sure to use it wisely, especially during hot months and times of the year where long soaking rains occur less often. Collecting rainwater can save your septic tank and the drain field, reduce your water bill and while you enjoy more money, the earth will benefit from a larger water supply.

By: Bradley Skierkowski