Warning signs
- Wet, spongy or puddled ground over the field when it hasn't rained
- A sewage smell in the yard
- Grass or weeds much greener over the field than elsewhere
- Drains slow down again soon after the tank was pumped
- High water in the tank during inspection
Protecting the drain field
- Pump on schedule. The EPA says household tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
- Spread out water use. Big surges, like many loads of laundry in one day, overload the field.
- Keep weight off. No vehicles, RVs, sheds or livestock pens over the field.
- Direct roof and yard runoff away from the field.
If replacement is needed
A new or replacement absorption area generally means a site evaluation, an engineered design and a county permit. In Pahrump, the county's requirements may include advanced treatment. See new septic systems for how that process works.
Related: septic repair · inspection
Drain field FAQ
Can a failing drain field be fixed?
Sometimes. It depends on the cause. A broken distribution pipe or a crushed line can be repaired. A field clogged with solids may need to be rested, partly replaced or fully replaced. Replacement involves design and county permitting.
What causes drain fields to fail?
Common causes are solids escaping a tank that isn't pumped often enough, too much water at once, vehicles or structures compacting the soil, and roots. Every field also has a finite life.
Can I plant over my drain field?
Shallow-rooted ground cover is generally fine. Keep trees and large shrubs away, and never pave, park or build over the field.