Is High-Pressure Jetting Might the Solution for Your Drainfield Pipe Clogs?

Your home's septic system is composed of several parts. While you may be most concerned with pumping out the tank and keeping your main sewer line clear, the drainfield is also very important. When the drainfield fails due to clogging, you might face the expense of having a new drainfield installed. An alternative solution might be to use a high-pressure water jet on the drainfield lines if your plumber thinks that's a suitable approach. Here's how high-pressure jetting a drainfield works.

1. The Drainfield Attaches to the Septic Tank

Your septic tank is in a constant state of collecting waste and sending it to the drainfield. When new water flows in the tank, old water flows out. The old water has been in the tank long enough that solids have a chance to fall to the bottom. Plus, the water passes through a filter so only water leaves the tank and goes to the field. While that's the way a septic system is supposed to work, solids or grease can leave the tank and clog up the lines or field.

There's a drain that leaves the tank and connects to a distribution box. Then, multiple lines leave the box and are buried in the soil so wastewater can drain out and be filtered as it sinks in the ground. When grease or solids clog up the lines, water can't escape the tank. If solids and grease clog up the soil, the wastewater can't filter as it should.

2. High-Pressure Water Jetting Cleans Out Line Clogs

Before your septic service puts in a new drainfield, they may try water jetting the lines first. This is done by opening the distribution box and inserting a water jet at the end of each line and blasting water through the pipes. The water jet has both forward and backward water jets so the entire pipe is blasted clean. When this is done, clogs are removed from the pipe, even sticky grease clogs that cling to the pipe. The septic service might collect the solid and fatty waste and remove it from the field so it doesn't clog the soil.

When the lines are cleared, wastewater can flow freely from your septic tank again, and as long as the soil is still able to let the wastewater seep in and be filtered, your drainfield will be functional and you can postpone or eliminate the need to replace it. Since hydro jetting is much easier and less costly than making a new drainfield, it's an option to consider when your septic system is having drainage problems.

For more information, contact local high-pressure jetting services. 

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