One of the best things about living in Florida is having the ability to design and enjoy a beautiful landscape all year long. Unfortunately, in the endeavor to create the lushest and most spectacular front yard on the block, many homeowners unknowingly put their septic systems at risk. This is especially true where drain fields are concerned.

If you’re experiencing problems with your drain field, it’s very possible that your beautiful landscaping is a part, if not all, of the problem. Quality Septic Inc. of Plant City, FL, would like to share some details on how landscaping and other uses of your yard can cause drain field problems.

Why drain fields are so easily damaged

A conventional septic system includes a drain field that sits just a few inches below the soil. This is particularly true with a mound system. For this type of system to operate properly and not encounter drain field problems, the water flow from the septic tank to the drain field must not be hampered by invading roots from nearby trees, shrubbery and other growth. But with any kind of septic system, it’s best to be on the safe side and plant only grass above and around your home’s drain field and septic tank.

If you simply can’t bear an untouched patch of solitary grass, look for plants that don’t require large amounts of water and don’t have complex, advancing root systems. If you feel you must do any kind of digging or cultivating near the drain field, do it by hand. Never use a rototiller or engage in deep shoveling.

Inorganic threats to a drain field

Trees, shrubbery and digging within a landscape aren’t the only ways a drain field can be damaged. Heavy items regularly cause serious drain field problems, damage, or need for replacement, for residents in our area of Florida. The ground above a drain field is not a thoroughfare for vehicles. Even the lightest economy cars can cause severe damage to the field when driven over it or parked on it. Needless to say, the giant trucks that many of us love can do even more damage. So can heavy items like rock gardens, outdoor fireplaces, elaborate grilling areas and any kind of building structure.

Signs your drain field needs attention

Drain fields are designed to receive “clear” liquids from tanks, process then send them into the adjacent soil and groundwater. When a drain field is damaged, it cannot do its job. Watch out for these signs:

• Soggy patches of ground above or near the drain field
• Sunken ground over the field
• Extra-healthy grass growing in the vicinity of the drain field
• Strong sewage odors outdoors or indoors
• Slow drains throughout the house
• Sluggish toilets that may back up

Contact your Florida drain field experts

If you’re experiencing any of these drain field problems, give Quality Septic a call to resolve the trouble quickly. If you’d like to know if your landscaping or something else is threatening your drain field, we’ll be happy to assess the situation for you. We have proudly served Plant City and surrounding communities for more than 25 years with unmatched workmanship and one-on-one service. When in doubt, call us! Reach a septic system and drain field expert today at (813) 754-9891 or get in touch with our handy contact form.