Effluent Fields and Disposal Trenches
The disposal field is where treatment finishes and where most of the value of the system sits.
Trenches, beds and mounds all do the same job: distribute effluent into soil where bacteria and filtration complete the treatment. Design depends on soil type, slope, groundwater and the number of occupants.
Fields fail from the soil interface outward. A biomat layer forms naturally at the trench base and is part of normal operation, but it thickens rapidly when solids arrive from an overloaded tank, and eventually the soil can no longer accept flow.
Protecting a disposal field
- Know where it is and mark it
- No vehicles, stock or structures over it
- No stormwater discharging into it
- Regular tank emptying to prevent solids carry-over
- Grass cover rather than deep-rooted planting
Frequently asked questions
- Can I plant a garden over my disposal field?
- Shallow-rooted grass is ideal. Vegetable gardens over an effluent field are not recommended for health reasons, and trees or shrubs risk root intrusion into the laterals.
Related services
Related septic problems
Ready to go
Request septic serviceSeptic Connect accepts septic and wastewater service requests and routes them according to participating provider coverage. Any inspection, pump-out, call-out, servicing, repair, parts or other charges are discussed and charged directly by the independent service provider.