Septic system soil failure may occur when chemical exchanges cause sodium bonding to clay particles forming a waterproof barrier known as hardpan. Agricultural soil and wastewater scientists have long recognized that in time, sodium in irrigation waters will cause finer clay soil particles to bond together into impermeable layers.
In the septic system drain field, problems begin when a thin impermeable layer of bonded clay soil fines develops directly under the leach lines or on the trench floor or walls. This layer grows in density over time and soon a "waterproof" barrier prevents access to the absorptive active soil surfaces needed for wastewater percolation into the soil. |
