Leach Drain

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Australian Family owned and operated

If you are looking to have a septic tank system installed for either your home or for commercial purposes, you can count at Dobson Excavations.
We have all the equipment and expertise to help you install a septic system. Contact us today for a quote.

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    A leach drain is installed in support of septic tank systems. They are tube-like boxes, made of concrete or plastic, and have holes on its sides, which allow water to soak the surrounding ground. When wastewater passes through the septic tank, solid wastes sink to the bottom to undergo bacterial digestion, while the liquid flows out of the tank to the leach drain and into the soil.

    A diverter valve connects the leach drain to the septic tank. After the installation of the leach drain is complete, concrete slabs are often used to seal the drain and keep debris at bay. This will help prevent blockages and make leach drains maintenance even more difficult than it is already.

    A leach drain doesn’t have a standard size. Dobson Excavations uses the anticipated amount of liquid waste and the type of soil as a guide when recommending the best leach drain size.

    Maintaining the leach drain will ensure it remains in great shape to keep redistributing wastewater in the soil. During this process, sludge can build up in the leach drain, and this will slow the flow of wastewater through the system.

    You should have at least two leach drains to allow for even disbursement of the liquid. If this is not done, the soil surrounding the leach drain installation will soak in too much water, which will be a challenge for bacteria to keep up when breaking down the waste. The result will be a foul smell which will eventually get to the surface.

    We service the entire Perth metro area and South west, such as (but not limited to): Perth, Jarrahdale, Roleystone, Karragullen, Kalamunda, Bickley, Serpentine, Mundijong, Whitby, Hopeland, Keysbrook, Dandalup, Myara, Karrakup, Cardup, Byford, Oldbury, Wellard, Baldivis, Keralup, Rockingham, Port Kennedy, Secret Harbour, Golden Bay, Waikiki, Warnbro, Calista, Orelia, Oakford, Darling Downs, Armadale, Bunbury, Mandurah, Pinjarra, Harvey, Wandering, Collie, Boddington, Crossman, Brookton, Beverley, Dwellingup

    We also offer a wide variety of other services, such as Mini Excavator and Digger Hire, Drive Construction, Digger Hire, Trench Digger Hire, Soakwell Installation, Siteworks, Septic Tank Installation, Land Clearing, Pool Excavation, Leach Drains, Bobcat Slasher, Excavator hire, Bobcat hire, 6-wheeler tipper hire, earthworks and earthmoving contractors .

    Leach Drain Maintenance

    For the septic tank to function efficiently, it needs the leach drain to perform its functions optimally. While the bacteria in the septic tank tries breaks down the solid waste that has sunk at the bottom, the leach drain handles the liquid waste. So, both systems are inter-dependent.

    If the leach drain is not maintained appropriately, chances are your leach drain repair bill will be high, and it might include repairs to the septic tank as well which could be overwhelmed without the support of the leach drain.

    Some of the ways in which you can ensure the leach drains remain in great shape include;
    • Pump and clean the septic tank of residue at least twice or three times a year. The pumping frequency will depend on the size of the tank, the size of your household, and the disposal rate.
    • Protect the septic tank system by avoiding the disposal of fabric softener, bleaches, heavy detergents, and biocides into it. These form scum that can clog the septic tank system, and ultimately affect the functions of the leach drains.
    • Avoid disposing non-biodegradable materials into the drain.
    • Don't turn your leach field into a parking area, tempting as it may be. The pipes of the leach drain are about 6 inches in the ground. The weight of the vehicles is likely to damage the pipes, and this could result in leach drain problems. If you have visitors who naturally go for the space to park their vehicles, you can choose to fence this area.
    More often than not, when the septic tank develops issues, it is likely you have leach drain problems. When you maintain the leach drain adequately, it can serve you for up to 25 years.

    Causes of leach drain problems

    Since the septic tank systems depend on the leach drain to filter and disperse the wastewater, it is important to know the likely causes of leach drain malfunctions so that you can avoid them. They include;
    • Leaking pipes, drains, and toilets.
    • Excessive water usage in the house
    • Excessing rainfall which results in heavy water runoff
    • Deep rooted trees and plants which penetrate the pipes or exerting its weight on the valve connecting the septic tank to the leach drain.
    • Wear and tear of the system
    • Draining, grease, chemicals, paints and other complex products into the septic tank
    • Failing to pump the septic tanks frequently, preferable two or three times a year
    • Damage from excavators and other construction equipment

    Signs of Leach Drain Damage

    You can easily tell your septic tank, or leach drain is malfunction even before you call a professional to have a look at the leach drain installation. Some of the signs you should look out for include;
    • Greener grass over the leach field when compared to the rest of your lawn. This show the waste released into the soil is not being broken down as required. So, you need to find out what is going on in the septic tank or leach drain.
    • If the area surrounding where we execute the leach drain installation has standing water, is wet or mushy.
    • Sewage odours, usually around the leach field, septic tank, or even around the drains
    • Drainage channels that are taking too long to clear off the water.
    When the leach drain is working as it should be, the area will have green, short grass, and no puddles. In this state, the leach field poses no harm to you and your family. So, you need not concern yourself about children playing in this area. However, when you start noticing signs of malfunctioning leach drains, it is best to keep the children away because it poses a safety and health hazard.

    Regularly check any exposed equipment for signs of rust. The septic tank cover should be free of rust, and if you notice signs of corrosion, it is best to call Dobson Excavations for leach drain repair. We will identify the source of rust and carry out the necessary repairs. If left unchecked, the cover of the septic tank could collapse, and this can be fatal for anyone who falls inside an active septic tank. Leach drain replacement may be the only solution if it cannot be repaired.

    When you are cautious of the things that go through your septic tank and leach drain, you have likely to have minimal repairs during the lifespan of the leach drain. Contact Dobson Excavations for the professional installation of septic tanks and leach drains. Give us a call at 0414 755 306 or send an email at dobson_excavations@live.com or fill the online form.