Does Your Septic System Need a Curtain Drain? Key Signs
If you have a septic system on your property, you know how important proper maintenance and care is to keep it functioning smoothly. But even well-maintained septic systems can run into issues when excessive groundwater surrounds the leach field. This prevents the proper percolation and treatment of wastewater. When you notice signs of trouble, a curtain drain may be the solution.
Read on to learn more.
What is a Curtain Drain?
A curtain drain is a trench that surrounds the leach field or drainfield of your septic system. This trench is filled with gravel, and contains a perforated pipe to collect and divert excess groundwater away from the leach field area.
The purpose of a curtain drain is to keep the soil around the leach field unsaturated. Septic systems rely on dry soil with plenty of oxygen so aerobic bacteria can effectively break down and treat liquid waste. If the soil becomes overly saturated with groundwater, it prevents proper percolation and filtration of effluent through the leach field.
Why Curtain Drains are Used with Septic Systems
Wet, boggy soil is the enemy of an effective septic system. When water saturates the area around the leach field, it essentially "drowns" the soil, leaving no room for oxygen.
Anaerobic bacteria thrive in this oxygen-deprived environment. But anaerobic bacteria cannot effectively break down waste and contaminants. This leads to sewage backups, foul odors, and groundwater pollution as untreated effluent pools on the surface.
A curtain drain helps combat this issue by intercepting and diverting away the excess groundwater before it reaches the leach field soil. Keeping the soil unsaturated provides the proper conditions for aerobic bacteria to digest and remove impurities from the wastewater percolating through it.
Signs You Need a Curtain Drain
If you notice any of the following signs, it may indicate your septic system is dealing with excess groundwater and could benefit from a curtain drain installation:
1. Wet or Marshy Areas Near Leach Field
If you notice soggy areas or standing water near the leach field, it's a clear sign that water is not properly draining away from the system. Ponding water indicates the soil is fully saturated and cannot accept or percolate any more liquid.
A curtain drain system designed to capture this excess water and divert it away from the leach field can help dry out the soil for proper functioning again.
2. Slow Draining Sinks or Toilets in Home
When your sinks and toilets take longer than normal to drain, it often means there is a backup somewhere in the system. The sewage cannot properly percolate into the soil, likely because the leach field is too saturated.
A curtain drain to remove the influx of groundwater can help dry out the leach field. This allows liquids to once again drain freely through the soil for proper treatment.
3. Sewage Odor Around Septic Tank or Leach Field
A strong, unpleasant smell around the septic tank or leach field indicates that waste is not being effectively treated and broken down. Smelly effluent is sitting in the leach field rather than percolating through the soil as it should.
Again, a wet, saturated leach field is often the culprit. A curtain drain can capture that excess groundwater and provide the dry conditions needed for proper waste decomposition.
4. Grassy Areas Over Leach Field Remain Lush and Green
Lush, green, thriving grass over the leach field can signify that water isn't percolating but sitting just under the surface. Grass and vegetation flourish with this readily available moisture.
A curtain drain removes this excess liquid, sending it away from the leach field area to keep the turf above slightly less vibrant. This ensures the soil has aerobic bacteria to treat effluent.
5. Flooding or Leaks in Basement After Heavy Rain
Excessive groundwater from heavy rains or snowmelt can inundate a septic system. Without a curtain drain, water can back up the system and find its way into window wells or cracks in your home's basement foundation.
Installing a curtain drain system around the perimeter of the leach field provides a channel to redirect that water away from the home. Keeping excess liquid away prevents system backups and reduces the risk of basement flooding.
Next Steps if You Need a Curtain Drain
If you've noticed signs your septic system is struggling with wet, saturated soil, call a professional installer for an assessment. Don't attempt to install a curtain drain on your own, as proper placement and grading is critical.
Prepare for some excavation work around the leach field as the contractor digs the trench for the curtain drain. It may take several days to completely install the new drainage system.
Annual maintenance of the curtain drain is recommended to make sure it continues moving water away from the field as designed. Keep your septic system healthy with regular inspections too.
Adding a curtain drain around your septic system leach field provides a variety of important benefits:
- Prevents premature system failure by keeping soil unsaturated
- Avoids expensive repairs if the leach field gets damaged
- Reduces risk of basement flooding during wet conditions
- Helps the septic tank and leach field work efficiently
- Extends the lifespan of the entire system
Curtain drains are an effective, affordable way to manage excess groundwater and ensure your septic system functions properly for many years. At the first sign of trouble, call in the experts to assess if a curtain drain is right for your property.