What exactly is a leach field?
JSA: A leach field is any method of leaking the discharge water from the septic tank into the ground. This discharge is from final stage (last outlet from the last septic tank, (sometimes there is more than one tank). In rare situations the effluent may be allowed to be discharged above the ground. The most common leach field is where trenches are dug in the ground in a branching pattern to allow the treated effluent water from the septic tank to be distributed and absorbed. Gravel or stone forms a bed in the trenches for the perforated pipes that connect to the septic tank via a distribution box. Again, this is the most common, but not necessarily the best way to leach the water. Cost and cost to the environment needs to be considered. Proper pretreatment of the wastewater benefits the environment and a long life for the leach field.
