What Is A Curtain Drain Septic System

Dealing with excess water on your property can be a nightmare. Persistent flooding or standing water can cause damage to your home's foundation, encourage mold growth, and infiltrate your septic system.

Installing a curtain drain could provide the solution. But what exactly is a curtain drain septic system and how does it work? Essentially, it is a trench that diverts groundwater away from your septic drain field and home.

How A Curtain Drain Septic System Works

A curtain drain consists of a dug out trench filled with gravel. At the base of the trench, a perforated pipe transports excess groundwater away from the area. The pipe has small holes that allow water to seep in, while the gravel provides stability and filtration.

Components Of A Curtain Drain Septic System

Here are the key components that make up an effective curtain drain septic system:

• Distribution Box: Divides effluent flow evenly into the drain field lines.
• Drainfield: Network of trenches filled with gravel, receives septic tank effluent.
• Curtain Drain: Gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe to catch groundwater.
• Gravel Trench: Layers of washed stone filter effluent as it leaches into the soil.

The curtain drain intercepts groundwater flowing towards the drainfield trenches and home foundation. It moves this excess water away to prevent oversaturation of the soil.

Benefits Of A Curtain Drain Septic System

Adding a curtain drain to your septic setup provides important advantages:

• Handles Wet Sites: Divert high volumes of groundwater from area.
• Longer Drainfield Life: Prevent premature failure from oversaturation.
• Reduces Groundwater Pollution: Lessens effluent overflow into groundwater.

For properties with drainage issues, a curtain drain is a worthwhile investment to protect your septic system, home, and the surrounding environment.

Designing A Curtain Drain Septic System

Successfully installing a curtain drain system requires careful planning and design tailored to your site.

Site Evaluation

First, thoroughly evaluate current drainage conditions on the property:

• Soil Assessment: Percolation tests determine water movement through soil.
• Water Table Measurement: Establish highest average groundwater levels.

This data helps position the curtain drain at the optimal depth and location to intercept flows of groundwater.

System Components

Next, size the additional system components:

• Tank Size: Factor in home size and daily wastewater output.
• Drainfield Size: Percolation rate dictates trenches needed.
• Curtain Drain Depth and Location: Install below high water table mark.

Layout Considerations

Also assess the site's land features that impact installation:

• Topography: Position curtain drain along elevation contours.
• Water Flow: Intercept uphill groundwater before drainfield area.
• Vegetation: Avoid tree roots that can damage system.

An experienced septic contractor can help plan an effective curtain drain design customized for any property.

Installing A Curtain Drain Septic System

Once the drainage system is designed, the installation process involves key steps:

Excavating The Site

First, dig out the required trenches using an excavator. Depth and width depend on system design needs. Safely shore up trenches as you dig to OSHA standards.

What materials should be used to line the trench walls to prevent erosion or collapse? Concrete slurry, bentonite, or clay are commonly used to coat trench walls for stabilization. Hard plastic wall supports also reinforce trenches during installation.

Placing The Tank And Distribution Box

Lower septic tank and distribution box into excavated holes at the planned locations. The distribution box splits effluent evenly to the drain field lines.

Laying The Drainfield Lines

Next, dig narrower trenches for each perforated pipe line of the drain field. Lay solid and perforated pipe sections as needed. Surround pipes with layers of washed stone and landscape fabric to prevent clogging.

What diameter pipes are typically used? 4-inch diameter PVC pipes are standard for curtain drain systems. Perforations in the pipe should face down to let in water. Solid pipes deliver captured water to the outlet area.

Digging The Curtain Drain

Excavate a trench downhill from the drain field according to specified size and depth. This is where the curtain drain pipe will capture groundwater flows.

How is the orientation and slope of the trench determined? The curtain drain trench should run parallel to elevation contours to intercept sub-surface water movement. Optimal slope is 1% - 2% to keep water flowing by gravity drainage.

Adding Gravel and Pipe

Place a perforated pipe at the bottom of the curtain drain trench, surround with washed stone. Pipe transports intercepted groundwater away from site to outlet area.

What gravel size works best to allow drainage while preventing clogging of the drain pipe? Angular gravel between 1 to 1 1/2 inches is commonly used. It provides voids for water passage while being too large to enter perforation holes.

Once all system components are installed, backfill trenches and grade surface for proper drainage. An expert can also help repair existing septic issues involving curtain drains, leach fields, and excess site water.

Like any septic system, curtain drains need regular care and maintenance to prevent problems:

• Inspect System Components: Check for signs of clogging or failure.
• Pump The Tank: Remove sludge buildup every 3-5 years.
• Keep Surface Water Away: Divert rainwater and runoff from system.
• Don't Drive Over Drainfield Area: Prevents soil compression.
• Don't Plant Trees Over Drainfield: Roots can damage pipes.

How often should the actual curtain drain trench be flushed or cleaned? Annually inspect curtain drain outlet area for debris buildup obstructing water flow. Flush gravel trench with high pressure hose every 2-3 years to remove sediment.

By properly maintaining your curtain drain septic system, you can avoid premature failures and extend system lifespan to over 20 years.

Dealing with wet sites and excess water on a property can quickly become an ongoing headache. But installing a carefully planned curtain drainage system around your septic setup provides an effective solution.

These gravel-filled trenches catch groundwater flows and transport that excess water away before it reaches your drainfield area or home's foundation. Curtain drains are essential for maximizing septic system performance and reducing pollution risks on sites with drainage challenges or a high water table.

Partnering with an experienced septic professional ensures your curtain drainage system is custom-designed and installed for your specific property's needs. And putting a little regular care into maintaining the system helps safeguard your investment by preventing premature failures.