Discussing issues about the septic system can be a bit confusing and complicated to anyone who is not interested and or fairly disgusted with the subject matter. It is not a topic that is seen as a regular interest for most people. If septic systems were to be discussed, it is only when the system itself is causing problems or when water or sludge begins leaking from the lateral lines. Until then, all the necessary information is left in the noggins of the septic experts.
Most people are concerned as to how long the average lateral line system will last and what way can they keep those lines happy and flowing throughout the lifespan of the system. The good news is, lateral lines are normally a long lasting component of the entire leach field system and will provide years of uninterrupted service when properly cared for. The drain field is the part of the septic system that is the final phase of the wastewater treatment system. This is where the purification of the pre-treated effluent is performed by the biomat, which is regulated by the anaerobic bacteria.
The drain field has to be dry all the time since this helps increase the level of the anaerobic bacteria. The more anaerobic bacteria in the drain field, the better its components, such as the lateral lines, will be. Lateral lines are the ones responsible for distributing the treated effluent into the surrounding environment. It is also connected to the distribution box that does the same thing. The lateral lines are in the trenches of the drain field so essentially, the lateral lines have to be as well-maintained as the drain field.
How long do lateral lines last? Well, it lasts as long as the drain field itself. If the lateral lines are perfectly installed and the septic tank is optimally maintained, then the lateral lines could easily be in your property for 50 years at least. But septic installers are not perfect. Some of them make bad calls and professional mistakes as well. The drain fields and lateral lines could all simultaneously fail within 24 hours. A conventional drain field and set of lateral lines could last for about twenty years or so if well-cared for. If all drain fields are not made equally, then so are lateral lines. Lateral lines depend on the drain fields they are installed in. They can be dug up into the ground or raised above it to enhance absorption and evaporation of the effluent.
Caring for the septic tank is the most important way to care for your lateral lines and lengthen its lifespan. Doing things like changing to bacteria-friendly and environment-friendly solutions, not dumping harsh chemicals and non-biodegradable trash into drains, toilets, and sinks. Try diverting the rain gutter away from the system area. Do not run over the system or build anything over the system. Don’t plant trees on the septic system area. Lastly you could install a dry well nearby to handle the grey water and decrease the septic water load.
Lateral lines only give out when everything goes crazy from day one, in square one. The household is the main reason why lateral lines or any part of the septic system would fail. You should impose a strict proper usage of the septic system. The septic expert could help you to understand more. It is their entire life and profession so why don’t you take advantage of the skills and knowledge that they have to offer. It would be better to get as much first-hand information from them as you could, as early as you could to prevent serious problems. You would definitely hate yourself for only knowing about the proper maintenance of lateral lines by the time it fails.
As you go through your life as a homeowner, always remember that there is a living organism underneath your property that occasionally needs your attention but always needs your consideration. It is never a bad thing to improve your ways and get into the correct manner of running a property and a septic system. So better start now or regret it someday.