What is a common reason for soil absorption system failures?

A common reason for soil absorption system failures is inadequate lot size. A soil absorption system, such as a drain field, relies on the right amount of land to treat wastewater effectively. If the lot is too small, the system may not have enough surface area to distribute and absorb effluent properly, leading to saturation and failure. Proper lot size ensures that the effluent has adequate space to percolate through the soil, allowing for natural filtration and treatment processes to occur before the water re-enters the groundwater system.

Regarding the other options, poor soil drainage can also contribute to system failures, but it is often a result of the characteristics of the soil rather than the size of the lot itself. Old septic tanks may need maintenance or replacement but do not directly lead to soil absorption issues unless they are severely failing. While excessive rain can temporarily affect the operation of a soil absorption system, it is not a fundamental reason for failure like inadequate lot size, which impacts the system’s ability to function from the start.