Drainfield Inspections

Does your home have a septic tank? Then it has a drainfield or leach field too. Even though it doesn’t have any mechanical parts, it’s an incredibly important part of your overall septic system, and keeping it in good condition is crucial. That’s where routine drainfield inspections come in.

At Puget Sound Septic, we provide septic drainfield inspections in King County WA. Our drainfield inspection services are designed to help you keep your septic system in excellent shape, and give you the peace of mind you deserve. Call us today to schedule your inspection.

How Often Should a Septic Drainfield be Inspected?

Septic drainfields should be inspected often as they’re one of the most important components of the entire system. 

• For gravity based septic systems, the drainfield should be tested at least once every three years, 
• For other types of systems, at least once every year. 

If this sounds like a lot, keep in mind that proactive maintenance for your septic system is the best way to prevent costly and damaging issues. A little bit of proactive maintenance now can save you big down the road.

What’s Included in Puget Sound Septic’s Comprehensive Inspections?

Hydraulic Load Tests may not be a part of every basic inspection, but we know the importance of them and are happy to provide them as part of our comprehensive septic system inspections. 

• Visual Surface Assessment: Checking for spongy grass, standing water, or sewage odors.
• Distribution Box (D-Box) Check: Ensuring effluent flows evenly into all lines and checking for sludge buildup.
• Inspection Port Monitoring: Measuring liquid levels within the trenches through PVC access pipes.
• Soil Probing and Boring: Testing for soil saturation and the presence of a thick biomat or sludge migration.
• Stress/Load Testing: Running a large volume of water through the system to see if the field can handle the surge.
• Dye Testing: Using fluorescent dye to trace leaks or confirm if effluent is surfacing.
• Component Integrity Check: Looking for signs of crushed pipes or root intrusions that might block flow.

What Can You Expect with a Drainfield Inspection?

If it’s been a long time since your last drainfield inspection, here’s what you can expect.

1. Prepare for your inspection by taking note of anything unusual that has gone down the drain, and avoid planting shrubs or other plants near the areas technicians will need to access.
2. To test the effectiveness of your drainfield, a technician may perform a Hydraulic Load Test. By introducing 200 to 400 gallons of water twice a day for three days in a row, the technician can analyze the drainfield’s reaction and determine if the water is being dispersed evenly and properly. Even a small backup or issue means something within the system isn’t working effectively. 
3. Make your next inspection easier by storing your paperwork and documentation in a safe place, so future technicians or potential buyers can have access to that information.

How to Locate Your Drainfield 

The drainfield is the final step of the septic system. When working properly, it evenly disperses the wastewater that’s pushed out of the septic tank. Locating and regularly inspecting your drainfield is an important step to prevent letting an issue go unnoticed. 

Drainfields are generally in an open, grassy area near your septic and pump tank lids, if you’re able to see them. Figuring out the location of each piece of your septic system is not an easy task to take on. You may need to contact your Septic Tank Installer, reach out to your local health department to get as-built property records, attempt to follow the paths of your plumbing, or have the system professionally located. 

Get an Expert’s Opinion on Your Drainfield Today

Don’t wait until you’re struggling with an issue – drainfield repairs are often expensive. Keep your system regularly inspected and maintained so every piece, including your drainfield, can work smoothly.

Reach out to Puget Sound Septic today to get a comprehensive inspection for your property.