of the trench. Is the slope of the distribution pipe correct? If the drain field is more than four to six years old, chances are that the soil has clogged up. One common cause is carryover of solids from the septic tank. Did you have your septic tank pumped out regularly? Expose the end of a trench. If it's dry, there is probably a blockage in the distribution system that resulted in an overloading of the part of the drain field on the other side of the blockage. If the soil around the end of the trench is saturated, take a close look at the gravel and the soil on the trench sides and bottom. Chances are that there is a thick, black, and slimy soil layer along the trench sides and bottom. If this is the case, the drain field needs a rest. You can put in another to use while this one rests, or you can try for a temporary renovation. Another possibility is that the soil around the trenches isn't SO clogged up, but that the spaces between the gravel pieces have become filled in with soil or slime, or that the gravel was soft and has "melted" into a large chunk, leaving no room for sewage to accumulate as it slowly filters into the soil. Resting will not correct the problem, and a gravel replacement is in order. If you have ponded sewage on your property, it could be a health threat to you, your family, and the neighbors. Pets, insects, rodents, and birds could pick up and carry disease-causing organisms. Chil- dren and adults could come into direct contact with the sewage. And furthermore, it probably stinks. Therefore, you should act as quickly as possible to take care of the problem. While you're work- SOLVING PROBLEMS 225 ing on the solution you might want to spread lime over the affected area as a disinfectant and to control odors. The most sure way to solve a problem with a drain field is to replace it with a proper unit. But given cost and/or space limitations, that is not always possible. Fortunately, there are some alternatives that will work with varying degrees of success. After having gone through the tro