Drain Field Remediation and Maintenance

• Inspecting and hydro cleaning effluent distribution system (drainfield)
• Remediating system and drainage soils by means of a SludgeHammer system install
• Maintenance of the SludgeHammer system

If you suspect or are aware that the drainfield is not working as well as it once did or not at all or you simply just want to rejuvenate and maintain the existing system so it can have a longer life, All-Flo Plumbing is here to help. Drainfield problems are often caused by blockages, compromised pipe, or a failed drainbed due to saturated soils or biomat. All of these individual problems can often be addressed, some needing a little more time or attention than the other.

There are many different ways and designs of septic systems, but primarily they consist of 3 stages.

1. Solid and F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, Grease) collection/containment. Waste goes to a tank or series of tanks in which solids fall to the bottom and F.O.G. floats to the top. A baffle is utilized to help prevent these items from transferring over to the next stage. Effluent (liquid waste) is able to move through the baffle and into the next stage. Note: Tanks generally require maintenance every 3-5 years due to the solid and F.O.G. build up, but due to advancements in biologically treating the waste, that can virtually be eliminated by means of a SludgeHammer system.
2. Distribution, the effluent will leave the holding tank(s) and into the distribution piping, systems are designed to allow even distribution across the drain bed.
3. Effluent leaves the distribution and enters the drain bed in which it will go through a natural occurring process where microbes will clean the effluent.

To appropriately evaluate an existing system, All-Flo Plumbing recommends these steps:

1. Locate and inspect tanks.
2. Gain access to the last tanks outlet to inspect the distribution system. Note: there may need to be additional access points created in order to thoroughly inspect the distribution pipe.
3. Locate and map out the main distribution and individual branch legs.
4. It is not uncommon to find buildup in the distribution system. This build up can often compromise the system if not addressed. Jet if necessary, also, repair any compromised sections of pipe.
5. Evaluate the existing soils in the drainbed area. If soils are overly saturated, it could be a sign that the system is not draining effectively. Note: it is common to find what is referred to as a biomat forming in the drainbed. This biomat can eventually compromise the soils and their ability to drain out in a timely manner. These soils can often be restored if treated with additional bacteria and enzymes which break down the natural occurring biomat in your common septic system. All-Flo Plumbing’s preferred approach is utilizing an industry/time proven product called SludgeHammer to do this.
6. Once inspection, cleaning, and treatment via SludgeHammer are completed, All-Flo Plumbing recommends monitoring the system on an annual basis and giving it a biological boost by changing out the SludgeHammer blend bacteria packet and completing the other simple duties on the annual maintenance checklist.

For more information on the SludgeHammer system please go to https://sludgehammer.net/