How a drain field fails
In a conventional system, treated water leaves the tank and soaks into the soil through a drain field. When solids escape the tank (often because it went too long between pumpings), they clog the soil and the field can't absorb water anymore. Heavy clay soils east of New Braunfels and toward Seguin are especially slow to recover after long wet spells.
On aerobic systems, the "field" is the spray area. Problems there usually show up as puddling, odors, or dead grass around the heads.
Signs of trouble
- Standing water or soggy ground over the field, even in dry weather
- Bright green strips of grass over the lines
- Sewage odor in the yard
- Drains that stay slow even right after the tank was pumped
Repair or replace
Sometimes the fix is a crushed line, a clogged distribution box, or a spray head that needs to be moved. A field that has truly failed may need to be replaced or converted to a different type of system, which requires a site evaluation, a design, and a permit before work begins. Over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, state rules require the planning materials to be prepared by a professional engineer or registered sanitarian.
Before you call
Note where the wet spots are, how long they've been there, and whether they get worse after laundry or showers. A photo helps. Keep vehicles and livestock off the area so the soil isn't compacted further.