How to Get a Septic Drainfield Design Plan Fast

Nothing brings a construction project to a screeching halt faster than a failed septic inspection. A poorly designed drainfield can lead to permit denials, expensive rework, and a damaged reputation. It’s a costly problem that is entirely preventable with the right planning. The single most effective way to protect your project, your client, and your timeline is to invest in a professional design from the very beginning. This plan acts as your insurance policy, guaranteeing that every component, from the tank size to the trench layout, meets Florida’s rigorous standards. Before you break ground, you need to get a septic drainfield design plan. This guide explains the critical factors that go into a successful design and how to avoid the common mistakes that derail projects.

Key Takeaways

• Site-Specific Data is Non-Negotiable: A drainfield design is only as good as the data it’s built on. Professional soil testing and water table analysis are the essential first steps to create a plan that is both functional and compliant with Florida’s codes.
• A Solid Plan Prevents Project Delays: A complete, accurate design plan is your ticket to a smooth permitting process. It ensures every detail, from tank size to setbacks, is accounted for, preventing costly rework and keeping your project on schedule.
• Future-Proof Your System from the Start: Protect the long-term investment by sizing the system for the home’s maximum potential occupancy (by bedroom count) and designating a protected reserve area for any future replacement needs.

What is a Septic Drainfield? (And Why You Need a Plan)

Think of a septic drainfield as the hardworking, unseen hero of a septic system. A septic drainfield, also known as a leach field, is much more than just a patch of grass. It’s a carefully engineered system designed to safely treat and disperse wastewater from a septic tank into the surrounding soil. This is the final and most critical stage of onsite wastewater treatment. Without a functional drainfield, you’re looking at system failure, which can mean contaminated groundwater, unpleasant odors, and expensive fixes.

This is exactly why a professional design plan is non-negotiable. A solid plan ensures your system is effective, safe, and compliant from day one. It’s the blueprint that guarantees your project moves forward without a hitch, protecting both the property owner and the environment.

How Drainfields Treat Wastewater

So, how does a patch of ground clean wastewater? It’s a brilliant, natural process. After solid waste settles in the septic tank, the liquid effluent flows out into the drainfield. The drain field usually has several long, shallow trenches with perforated pipes laid in gravel, all covered by soil. The effluent slowly trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel, and into the soil.

Here’s where the real work happens. The soil acts like a natural filter. It has microbes that break down waste and soil particles that hold onto nutrients like phosphorus and harmful pathogens. This biological treatment cleans the water before it eventually returns to the groundwater table. The success of this entire system depends on a custom septic system design that accounts for your specific soil type and site conditions.

Florida’s Permitting and Legal Requirements

In Florida, protecting our water is a top priority, which is why septic system regulations are so stringent. You can’t just dig some trenches and call it a day. Designs must show specific distances from wells, water bodies, and property lines. These are not optional. A detailed check of soil, water table, and site suitability must follow Florida’s Administrative Code 62-6.

Getting a permit hinges on a design plan that proves your system meets every single one of these requirements. This includes everything from the size of the drainfield to the type of materials used. Following these codes can be complex, but it’s what we do every day. We create plans that satisfy local health departments, ensuring your project gets the green light without unnecessary delays. If you have questions about your project, you can always contact our team.

What’s in a Septic Drainfield Design Plan?

Think of a septic drainfield design plan as the complete blueprint for a property’s wastewater treatment system. It’s not just a rough sketch; it’s a detailed, technical document that shows exactly how the system will be built to meet Florida’s strict health and environmental codes. Every line and number on that plan is there for a reason—to ensure the system functions safely and effectively for years to come. A solid plan from an experienced designer is your key to a smooth permitting process and a successful installation. It breaks down every component, from the tank to the trenches, leaving no room for guesswork.

Septic Tank Sizing and Specs

The septic tank is the first stop for all household wastewater, so getting the size right is critical. Your design plan will specify the exact tank capacity needed based on the home’s size and expected water usage. For instance, Florida regulations typically require a minimum tank size of 1,000 gallons for homes with one to three bedrooms. The core principle is that the tank must be large enough to hold at least 48 hours of sewage flow. This retention time allows solids to settle and scum to float, which is the first step in the treatment process. The plan also details the tank’s material, dimensions, and placement on the property.

Piping Layout and Distribution Box

Once wastewater leaves the septic tank, it needs to be distributed evenly throughout the drainfield. The design plan maps out the entire piping network, including the crucial distribution box. This small but mighty component ensures that effluent is sent equally to each trench in the drainfield. If the distribution box isn’t perfectly level, some trenches will get overloaded while others stay dry, leading to premature system failure. Your plan will show the precise location, elevation, and installation requirements for the distribution box and all connecting pipes, guaranteeing a balanced and efficient system.

Drainfield Configuration and Size

The drainfield, or leach field, is where the real magic of wastewater treatment happens. Its design is heavily influenced by two main factors: the amount of wastewater the home produces and the soil’s absorption rate. A property with slow-draining soil will need a much larger drainfield than one with sandy, absorbent soil. The plan lays out the exact dimensions, including the number and length of the trenches. A typical design might call for three to five trenches, each up to 100 feet long and 18 to 24 inches deep, with perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. Our custom septic system designs ensure this configuration is perfectly matched to your site’s conditions.

Designating a Reserve Area

Planning for the future is a non-negotiable part of septic design in Florida. State regulations require every plan to designate a “reserve area” on the property. This is a suitable location set aside for a future replacement drainfield, should the primary one ever fail. The design plan will clearly mark this area, which must be kept completely clear of any permanent structures like buildings, driveways, pools, or sheds. Protecting this space is essential for the long-term viability of the property’s septic system, and it’s a key detail that permitting authorities will look for during their review.

Factors That Shape Your Drainfield Design

A drainfield isn’t a one-size-fits-all component you can just drop into the ground. Every design is a custom solution tailored to the unique conditions of a specific property. Getting it right means carefully analyzing several key factors that dictate the size, type, and location of your system. From the dirt under your feet to the size of the house, each element plays a crucial role in creating a drainfield that is efficient, compliant, and built to last.

Soil Type and Perc Rates

The soil on your property is the single most important factor in drainfield design. Think of it as the natural filter that treats the wastewater. Healthy, well-draining soil, often brown or red in color, allows effluent to be processed effectively. On the other hand, gray soil or soil with gray mottling is a red flag, indicating a high water table and poor drainage. That’s why a professional soil and percolation test is non-negotiable. This test measures how quickly water is absorbed by the soil, giving us the data needed to determine the appropriate size and type of drainfield for the site.

Water Table Levels and Seasonal Changes

In Florida, we’re no strangers to water. The depth of the seasonal high water table—the highest point groundwater reaches during the year—is a critical design constraint. Your drainfield’s trenches must be installed with a specific amount of vertical separation from this water table to ensure wastewater is fully treated before it reaches the groundwater. Ignoring this can lead to system failure and environmental contamination. We carefully evaluate the site to identify the water table level and any restrictive soil layers, ensuring your design meets all of Florida’s strict health and safety regulations.

Property Size, Slope, and Setbacks

The physical layout of your lot places firm boundaries on your drainfield design. The available space, the natural slope of the land, and legally required setbacks all influence where the system can be installed and how it’s configured. Florida law mandates specific distances between the septic system and structures like buildings, property lines, wells, and nearby bodies of water. Our job is to work within these constraints to create an effective layout. This requires careful planning to maximize the usable space while ensuring full compliance with all local and state codes.

Household Size and Daily Water Use

A septic system must be able to handle the maximum potential wastewater flow from the home. That’s why we base the design on the number of bedrooms, not the number of people currently living there. This industry-standard approach ensures the system is sized for the future and won’t fail if a larger family moves in. We calculate the home’s estimated daily water use, or “Daily Design Flow,” to determine the necessary capacity for both the septic tank and the drainfield. Proper sizing is essential for the long-term health and performance of any septic system design.

Assessing Your Property for a Drainfield

Before any lines are drawn on a plan, we have to get to know the property inside and out. A thorough site assessment is the foundation of a successful septic system design. It’s about more than just finding an open patch of land; it’s about understanding the unique characteristics of the soil, water, and physical layout to create a drainfield that is efficient, compliant, and built to last. This initial step is non-negotiable because it dictates everything that follows, from the type of system you can install to its final location and overall cost.

Think of it as a fact-finding mission. We’re looking for the ideal spot that checks all the boxes for performance and safety. This involves digging into the soil (literally), measuring groundwater levels, and mapping out every potential obstacle on the site. By gathering this critical data upfront, we can design a system that works with the land, not against it. This proactive approach prevents costly surprises during installation, avoids permit delays, and ensures the final design meets all of Florida’s strict environmental and health codes. A proper assessment is your project’s best insurance policy, guaranteeing a smooth process from start to finish.

How We Test Soil and Percolation

The soil on your property is the final, natural filter for your wastewater, so its composition is incredibly important. We start by performing a detailed soil analysis to understand its texture and structure. As a rule of thumb, soil that is brown or red in color tends to drain well, while gray soil often indicates a high water table or poor drainage—a red flag for a conventional drainfield.

Next, we conduct a percolation (or “perc”) test. This test measures how quickly water seeps into the ground. By timing how long it takes for water to drop in a test hole, we get a clear picture of the soil’s absorption rate. This data is essential for correctly sizing the drainfield. Our expert soil and percolation testing ensures your design is based on accurate, real-world conditions.

Evaluating the Site and Groundwater

Beyond the soil itself, we need to know what’s happening beneath the surface. Specifically, we identify the depth of the seasonal high water table—the highest point groundwater reaches during the year. Florida regulations require the bottom of the drainfield trenches to be a specific distance above this water table or any other restrictive layer, like hardpan clay.

This separation is crucial. It creates an unsaturated zone of soil that allows aerobic bacteria to break down contaminants before the treated wastewater can reach the groundwater. Protecting Florida’s aquifers is a top priority, and a careful site evaluation is the only way to guarantee your system will function safely and effectively without impacting the local water supply.

Identifying Property Restrictions and Limits

Every property has its own set of boundaries and limitations that influence where a drainfield can be placed. We meticulously map out all physical and legal restrictions, including property lines, buildings, driveways, wells, and any nearby bodies of water like lakes or canals.

Florida has specific legal requirements known as setbacks, which dictate the minimum distance a septic system must be from these features. Working with these rules is a key part of the design process. We identify the usable area on your lot that meets all setback requirements, ensuring your drainfield is fully compliant from day one. If you’re ready to get started, you can submit your project details and our team will handle the rest.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Drainfield Design

Getting a drainfield design plan doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal. When you know the steps involved, you can move your project forward quickly and confidently. Think of it as a clear roadmap: we start with understanding your property, handle the necessary paperwork, and then create a precise plan tailored to your site. This process ensures your septic system is efficient, compliant, and built to last. Let’s walk through exactly what it takes to get from an empty lot to a fully approved design plan.

Step 1: Site Assessment and Soil Testing

Before any lines are drawn on a plan, we have to get to know your property. A professional site evaluation is the critical first step because every design must be customized to the land’s specific conditions. We analyze the soil composition, water table levels, and the property’s slope. The type of soil is a major factor; for instance, brown or reddish soil typically drains well, while gray soil often indicates poor drainage that requires a specialized design. This initial assessment provides the essential data needed to create a functional and long-lasting drainfield, preventing potential system failures down the road.

Step 2: Applying for Permits and Approval

With the site data in hand, the next step is securing the proper permits. In Florida, this process is currently managed by the Department of Health in each county, though it’s important to note that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will begin overseeing this process in the near future. Navigating these regulations is a key part of our service. We ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and that the proposed design meets every local and state code. Getting a permit is not optional—it’s a legal requirement that protects you and ensures the system is installed safely and correctly by certified professionals.

Step 3: Creating the Design and Plan

Once the site is assessed and the permits are in motion, we can develop the official design plan. This detailed blueprint is built directly from the soils report. We use factors like your property’s soil infiltration rate and the projected daily water usage of the home or building to calculate the exact size and configuration needed for your drainfield. The plan will map out the septic tank size, piping layout, and the location of the distribution box, ensuring every component works together seamlessly. When you’re ready to get started, you can submit your project details to kick off this process.

Understanding Timelines and Costs

A new septic system is a significant investment in your property, with costs typically ranging based on the system’s complexity and site conditions. While it’s tempting to look for shortcuts, this is not a DIY project. Hiring a professional team ensures the job is done right the first time, saving you from costly repairs and compliance issues later. The timeline can also vary depending on permitting speed and site-specific challenges. We prioritize efficiency to keep your project on schedule, providing clear communication on both timelines and costs from the very beginning. If you have specific questions, our FAQs page is a great resource.

Choosing the Right Drainfield System for Your Site

Once we’ve analyzed your property’s soil, water table, and physical constraints, we can determine the best type of drainfield system for the job. Florida’s diverse landscape means there’s no single solution that works everywhere. A system that’s perfect for a spacious lot with sandy soil in Central Florida might be completely unsuitable for a smaller, low-lying property on the coast. The goal is always to design the most efficient, reliable, and cost-effective system that meets all state and local health codes.

Our septic system design services focus on matching the technology to your site’s specific needs. We’ll walk you through the options, explaining the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. Generally, drainfield systems fall into three main categories: conventional gravity systems, pressure distribution systems, and advanced treatment systems. Each one is designed to solve a different set of site challenges, from ideal conditions to the most difficult properties. Let’s break down what each one does and when it’s the right choice.

Conventional Gravity Systems

If your site has good soil and enough space, a conventional gravity system is usually the way to go. As the name suggests, this system uses gravity to move wastewater from the septic tank into a series of underground trenches in the drainfield. It’s the most common and straightforward type of septic system because of its simplicity and reliability.

Because it doesn’t require any mechanical parts like pumps, it’s also the most low-maintenance and cost-effective option over the long term. This system works best on properties with permeable, well-drained soil and a low water table, allowing the effluent to be treated naturally as it filters through the ground. Our complete guide to drainfield design covers the basics of how these simple yet effective systems function.

Pressure Distribution Systems

When a gravity system isn’t a good fit, a pressure distribution system is often the next best solution. This design uses a pump to evenly distribute effluent throughout the entire drainfield at controlled doses. This is a huge advantage on sites with less-than-ideal soil or where the drainfield needs to be larger. Instead of letting wastewater saturate the beginning of the trenches, the pump ensures the whole system gets a uniform amount.

This controlled dosing helps prevent overloading and allows the soil to properly treat the wastewater. Pressure distribution systems are a great middle-ground solution for sites that have some limitations but don’t require a highly advanced setup. Using a pump can ensure better treatment and extend the life of your drainfield.

Advanced Systems for Tricky Sites

For properties with significant challenges—like poor soil, a high water table, or a small lot size—an advanced treatment system is often required. These systems, sometimes called Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs), function like a mini wastewater treatment plant for a single home. They use processes like aeration to treat the effluent to a much higher standard before it even reaches the drainfield.

This advanced treatment makes it possible to install a septic system on sites that would otherwise be unsuitable. While they are highly effective, these complex systems come with a trade-off: they are more expensive to install and require ongoing professional oversight. In fact, most advanced systems require yearly maintenance contracts to ensure they continue to function correctly and protect both public health and the environment.

Common Design Challenges (And How to Solve Them)

Florida’s landscape is beautiful, but it’s not always straightforward when it comes to septic system design. From dense clay soils to high water tables near the coast, every property presents a unique puzzle. After completing over 40,000 projects across the state, we’ve encountered just about every challenge you can imagine. The good news is that for every problem, there’s a smart design solution.

Instead of seeing these issues as roadblocks, we see them as opportunities to create a more efficient, resilient, and long-lasting system for your build. A challenging site doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or deal with endless delays. It just means you need a team that knows how to adapt. We specialize in creating custom septic system designs that work with your property’s specific conditions, not against them, ensuring you get a plan that sails through permitting and performs flawlessly for years.

Handling Poor Drainage and Clay Soils

If you’ve ever tried to dig in dense, sticky clay, you know it doesn’t let water pass through easily. This is a major issue for conventional septic systems, which rely on soil to absorb and treat wastewater. When the soil has poor drainage, effluent can pool on the surface or fail to be treated properly. But this is a common issue we solve all the time. The solution is to use an alternative system designed for these exact conditions. Systems like mound systems or aerobic treatment units (ATUs) treat wastewater to a higher degree before it even reaches the soil, ensuring the site can handle it safely and effectively.

Managing High Water Tables and Flooding

In many parts of Florida, the groundwater is just a few feet below the surface. A high water table leaves insufficient dry soil for the drainfield to do its job of filtering wastewater. This can lead to system failure and potential contamination of groundwater. To solve this, we often design elevated systems, such as mounds, which create the necessary vertical separation between the drainfield and the water table. We can also use advanced treatment units with specialized filters to ensure wastewater is thoroughly treated, even when site conditions are less than ideal. It’s all about creating a safe, compliant system that protects both the property and the environment.

Adapting to Small Lots and Steep Slopes

As properties become smaller, finding enough space for a septic tank, drainfield, and the required reserve area can feel like a game of Tetris. Steep slopes add another layer of complexity. Luckily, modern septic technology offers fantastic solutions. Advanced treatment units, for example, can process wastewater so efficiently that the required drainfield size is significantly reduced. This makes it much easier to fit a complete, compliant system onto a small or awkwardly shaped lot. If you’re working with a challenging property, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to explore your options. We can design a compact, powerful system that meets your needs.

Meeting Local Codes and Getting Variances

Florida has strict laws about how far a septic system must be from structures, property lines, wells, and water bodies. These distances, known as setbacks, are non-negotiable and can seriously restrict where a system can be placed. A successful design must demonstrate perfect compliance with these regulations. Our team has an in-depth understanding of local and state codes, ensuring every plan we create meets all requirements from the start. In rare cases where unique site conditions make following standard rules impossible, it may be necessary to obtain a variance. We can help guide you through that process, providing the detailed plans and justification needed for approval.

How to Avoid Common Drainfield Design Mistakes

A septic system is a long-term investment, and a properly designed drainfield is the key to its longevity. Getting the design right from the start prevents premature failures, expensive repairs, and stressful compliance issues. By focusing on a few critical areas during the planning phase, you can ensure the system you install is efficient, durable, and perfectly suited to the property. Let’s walk through the most common missteps and how to sidestep them.

Size Your System for the Future

One of the most frequent errors is designing a system based only on the current number of residents. In Florida, septic systems are sized according to the number of bedrooms in a home, not the number of occupants. This is a crucial distinction. A two-bedroom home might only have one person living in it today, but a future family of four could easily overwhelm an undersized system.

Planning for the home’s maximum potential occupancy ensures the drainfield can handle future wastewater loads without failing. This forward-thinking approach protects the property’s value and saves homeowners from a costly replacement down the line. A correctly sized system provides peace of mind, knowing it’s built to last for whoever calls the house a home.

Plan for Easy Maintenance and Access

Your drainfield is a living part of your wastewater treatment system, and it needs space to function properly. During the design phase, it’s essential to position it away from areas with heavy traffic or future construction plans. Never drive or park vehicles over the drainfield, as the weight can compact the soil and crush the underground pipes.

You should also avoid planting trees or large shrubs nearby, as their roots can invade and clog the pipes, leading to system failure. Similarly, don’t build structures like sheds, patios, or driveways over the drainfield area. These surfaces prevent oxygen from reaching the soil and block access for future inspections or maintenance. Planning for this buffer zone from the beginning is one of the easiest ways to protect your system.

Address Site-Specific Design Needs

Every piece of land is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all drainfield design simply doesn’t work. A successful plan is always tailored to the unique conditions of the property. This process begins with a thorough site evaluation and professional soil and percolation testing. These tests reveal critical information about the soil composition, its ability to absorb water, and the depth of the seasonal high water table.

Ignoring these site-specific details can lead to a system that fails inspection or, worse, fails to treat wastewater effectively. For example, a design that works perfectly in sandy soil will quickly fail in dense clay. By basing the design on hard data from the site itself, we can create a system that is both compliant and effective for years to come.

Protect Your Soil and Manage Vegetation

The soil in your drainfield isn’t just for drainage; it’s a natural filter that treats the wastewater. Microbes in healthy soil break down contaminants, while the soil particles themselves capture harmful bacteria and nutrients. That’s why protecting the soil structure is so important. During construction, make sure heavy equipment doesn’t excessively compact the designated drainfield area, as this can ruin its ability to absorb water.

Proper vegetation management also plays a role. While deep-rooted trees are a definite no, a healthy layer of grass over the drainfield is beneficial. The grass helps prevent erosion and pulls moisture from the soil through evapotranspiration. Our design process always accounts for preserving the soil’s natural filtering capabilities to ensure your system functions as intended.

Partnering with a Florida Septic Designer

Choosing the right septic designer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your project. Think of them as a key partner who can make the difference between a smooth, on-schedule build and one plagued by delays and costly redesigns. The right team doesn’t just draw up plans; they understand the local landscape, anticipate challenges, and ensure your project moves forward without a hitch. Finding a designer with deep experience in Florida’s unique soil and water conditions is essential for creating a drainfield plan that is both compliant and built to last.

How to Choose a Qualified Designer

When you’re looking for a septic designer, start by finding a team that prioritizes professional soil testing and site evaluation as the first step. This foundational work ensures the final design is perfectly tailored to your property’s specific conditions. It’s also a smart move to bring a septic engineer on board before you even finalize your site plan. Getting an expert involved early can save you from expensive revisions down the road. Look for a company with a proven track record across Florida and a deep understanding of the local health department codes in your specific county. This local expertise is what prevents unnecessary and frustrating permitting delays.

What to Expect from the Design Process

Once you’ve chosen a designer, the process begins with a thorough site evaluation. A qualified professional will conduct comprehensive soil tests and analyze the property to create a detailed design plan that meets your project’s needs and all local regulations. A great designer is fluent in the language of local rules, which means they can prepare a plan that sails through the permitting process. At Land Perc, our septic system design services are built on decades of experience, ensuring every plan we create is accurate, efficient, and ready for approval, helping you keep your project on track.

Key Questions to Ask Your Design Team

Before you commit, it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you’re partnering with the best team for the job. This helps set clear expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page from day one.

Here are a few key questions to ask any potential design team:

• What is your experience working in this specific county or area?
• What does your permitting process look like, and who handles the submittals?
• What are your typical turnaround times for a design plan like this?
• Do you foresee any specific challenges with my site?

Getting clear answers to these questions will give you the confidence you need to move forward. When you’re ready, you can start a new order with us to get the process rolling.

Related Articles

• Your Guide to Septic Tank Drain Field Requirements
• Septic Drainfield Design 101: A Complete Guide
• Septic Tank and Drainfield Design: A Complete Guide
• Florida Septic System Design Requirements: A Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

My property has a high water table or clay soil. Can I still install a septic system? Absolutely. This is a very common challenge in Florida, and it’s definitely not a dealbreaker. While a conventional gravity-fed system might not be the right fit, there are excellent alternative designs for these exact conditions. We often use advanced systems, like aerobic treatment units or mound systems, which treat wastewater to a higher standard before it ever reaches the soil. This ensures the system is safe, effective, and fully compliant, even on the trickiest of sites.

Why is a professional soil and percolation test so critical for the design? Think of the soil test as the foundation for the entire design plan. It gives us the essential data on how your specific soil absorbs water and what its texture is like. Without this information, any design would just be a guess, which could lead to a system that fails prematurely or doesn’t get approved by the health department. This single step is the most important part of ensuring your drainfield is sized correctly and will function properly for decades.

How is the size of the drainfield actually determined? The size of a drainfield isn’t arbitrary; it’s a precise calculation based on two key factors. First, we determine the home’s potential daily wastewater flow, which is based on the number of bedrooms. Second, we use the absorption rate of your soil, which we get from the percolation test. A home with more bedrooms or one built on slow-draining soil will require a much larger drainfield than a smaller home on sandy, absorbent soil.

What is a “reserve area” and do I really have to keep it empty? A reserve area is a designated spot on your property that is suitable for a future, replacement drainfield if the original one ever fails. Florida law requires this area to be included in every septic design plan. And yes, you absolutely must keep it clear. Building anything permanent on it—like a shed, pool, or driveway—will make it unusable and could create major compliance issues down the road. Protecting that space is essential for the long-term value and viability of the property.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people make with drainfield planning? The most common and costly mistake is poor placement. A drainfield needs to be in an area where it won’t be disturbed. This means keeping it away from driveways, parking areas, or any place where heavy equipment might compact the soil and crush the pipes. It also means not planting trees or large shrubs nearby, as their roots can cause serious damage. Planning for easy access and protecting the area from the start is the best way to ensure the system has a long, healthy life.