What is the primary purpose of an interceptor drain?

The primary purpose of an interceptor drain is to divert water away from the drain field. Interceptor drains are designed to manage excess surface or subsurface water that could saturate the soil in the vicinity of a septic system. By diverting this water, the interceptor drain helps maintain the proper functioning of the septic system by preventing the drain field from becoming overloaded with water. When a drain field is saturated, its ability to treat wastewater effectively diminishes, which can lead to system failure and environmental contamination.

Understanding the specific functions of interceptor drains is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of septic systems. They do not inherently lower the water table or directly facilitate saturated flow in the context of wastewater treatment; rather, their main goal is to improve the conditions necessary for a drain field to function properly by mitigating the impact of excess water.