What is the life expectancy of a septic tank's leech field?

Question

The septic tank has been backing up...shortly after being pumped the ground over the tank becomes wet after doing laundry or a lot of showers.

This would indicate the water not entering the leech field. How many years do leech fields last? Anything that could cause them to behave this way?

Any inputs (constructive) would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Wow lots of answer here, but more questions.
What type of dirt was the leech field built in?
How big was the leech field built?
Have you been having a lot of rain in that area?
Was it a old system or new one.
How big was the septic tank? Older homes had smaller ones.
Was dirt put back over the pips or sand?
dig 3 or 4 holes around your leech field 24" deep with a post hold digger. Fill them with water. Time how fast they drain. Before they would pass my tank every hole had to have less then 3" of water in them in 30 Minutes.
If your leech field was tested. I'd go back to how much rain have you had.
I almost forget was the holes in the pipes pointed down?

Sorry more questions then answer

Answer 2

If it is built properly it will last forever. Your problem is you have something clogging up the drain lines in your field. A good home remedy is to dissolve a 5 pound bag of rock salt down your drain. This will kill off any roots in your system without killing off the bacteria your system needs to work properly.

If the clogging is really bad a plumber will have to clean out those pipes.

Answer 3

It all depends, cost wise, it may be less to put in a built up drain inclosure.

Answer 4

IF DONE CORRECTLY ... LIFE!