Septic Drain Field Repair in Hickory, NC
Call (828) 860-2401 to be connected with an independent septic provider who handles drain field problems around Hickory and Catawba County.
What the drain field does
Wastewater leaves the septic tank and flows into the drain field (also called a leach field or absorption field), where the soil treats it. When the soil can't absorb the water anymore, it backs up into the house or surfaces in the yard.
Warning signs
- Wet, spongy ground or standing water over the drain lines
- Sewage odor outside, especially near the tank or field
- Grass over the field that is greener than the rest of the yard
- Slow drains or backups that return soon after a pump-out
What to do right now
- Cut back on water use: spread out laundry, fix running toilets and leaks.
- Keep cars, equipment and livestock off the drain field.
- Don't add chemical or "septic treatment" additives hoping to fix it; the EPA does not recommend relying on additives.
- Point gutters and sump pumps away from the field.
What happens on a service call
A provider usually starts by locating and checking the tank and the distribution lines to see whether the problem is a clog, a broken pipe, a saturated field or something else. Repairs in North Carolina need a permit from the county health department, and the provider can explain what your property needs.
See also: septic pumping and other services and the septic FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my drain field is failing?
Common signs are soggy ground or standing water over the drain field, sewage odors in the yard, unusually green grass over the lines, and slow drains or backups that return soon after the tank was pumped.
Does pumping the tank fix a drain field problem?
Pumping removes solids from the tank, but it does not repair a clogged or saturated drain field. If problems come back shortly after a pump-out, have the drain field checked.
Do drain field repairs need a permit in North Carolina?
Yes. Septic system repairs in North Carolina need a permit from the county health department. The provider can explain the process for your property.