Drain field chemicals

[cdog]

Does anyone have experience with those chemicals avaiable to chemically break up the hardpan in your drain fields?  Chemicals that increase the absorbency of the soil?

[Stuart Meade]

Hello Cdog!

I assume that when you refer to the system's "hardpan"  you mean biomat.  There are MANY additives on the market and most make pretty incredible claims.  

My advise is not to use any additives (chemical or biological).  None of these have independent research (a little thing we call science) to  back up their claims.  I know of no universities, etc. that recommend their use.  
That's my short answer.  Others may disagree, but that's where I am currently on this matter.  

[cdog]

I have seen a lot about putting a "Switch" on your drain field so that you can determine where your leach water will go.  Are there any plans (pictures) of home made versions?  I am afraid of digging up too much and causing a bigger problem.

[Stuart Meade]

Alternating valves are used switch between two new absorption fields or between one old and one new.  The idea is to let the unused field rest.  Not sending wastewater to this field keeps a bio-mat from being fed and thus proliferating.

When a new field is installed next to an old one on an alternating valve, I recommend running the new system for three years and then begin alternating back and forth between the fields every year.

Here is the alternating valve page on my website.  http://www.septicdesign.com/septic-lingo/alternating-valve/