How To Fix A Saturated Drain Field. In this case, you should have the tank pumped, but make sure to leave at least 50 percent of the volume in the tank. Coach the system owner on what to avoid planting in the drainfield area.
It is often possible to clean and renew a clogged septic leach field instead of replacing the drain field lines. This is commonly seen in septic systems that are more than 20 years old. A periodic saturated condition interferes with the movement of water away from the system, which increases biomat thickness and further reduces effluent flow through the soil.
When 50% of the leach field is clogged the other half has to do double the work.
You may see spongy bright green grass over the area of the drain field or wet, soggy areas that develop near or on the drain field. One common cause of a saturated field is that the area has experienced a severe amount of rainfall or snow melt in a short period of time. Treatment capability is also reduced as a result of a lack of oxygen. In this case, you should have the tank pumped, but make sure to leave at least 50 percent of the volume in the tank.