Jet Drainfield

Should Winter Haven Residents Jet their Drainfield?

Some people seem to think you can fix all a drainfield’s problems by taking a high pressure hydrojetter, sticking it all the way down into the drainfield, cranking it up, and pulling it slowly out—but that really depends on what the problem really is.  Winter Haven home owners, like many others in Polk County, like the idea of this treatment because it costs less than digging a whole new drainfield, but in my decades of experience as a septic system professional, I can say that a new drainfield is sometimes what you really need.

Here’s Why

When a septic system gets overloaded or isn’t functioning properly, the drainfield is overrun with anaerobic bacteria (they thrive without air), more than can be eaten by the drainfield’s aerobic bacteria.  The anaerobic bacteria then form a thick biomat, which keeps the effluent from draining at all.  When a drainfield is hydrojetted, the water knocks out any dirt or solids that have found their way into the drainfield pipe, but it doesn’t do anything to the real problem—the anaerobic biomat.

So, which costs more?  A new drainfield which will last for several years, or an ineffective jetting of the same old drainfield? After you add the hassle of getting your drainfield serviced several times a year, the “cost saving” technique of drainfield jetting doesn’t look so good.

However, it can be helpful to jet the drainfield if the problem is more silt and solids than bacteria.  If you are having problems with your drainfield, call us over to Winter Haven for a look.  We can give you an estimate and honest advice about jetting or replacing—helping you know which is the most economical and hassle-free option.