What factor contributes to maintaining the effectiveness of a leach field?

Maintaining the effectiveness of a leach field is influenced by several critical factors, which is why the most comprehensive choice is indeed that all of the options contribute.

The depth of installation is important because it impacts how effluent is absorbed and treated by the surrounding soil. If the leach field is too shallow, it may not effectively filter the wastewater, leading to potential contamination and failure. Conversely, if it is too deep, the treatment process may be less efficient due to reduced soil interaction.

Soil texture plays a key role in the drainage and absorption capacities of a leach field. Different soil particles affect the water retention and permeability within the leach field. For instance, sandy soils drain quickly but have lower water retention, while clay soils may retain water well but have poor drainage. Thus, the soil texture directly affects how well the leach field can handle wastewater.

The type of gravel used in the leach field also affects its function. The gravel provides structure for the leach trenches and keeps the soil from clogging. Different sizes and types of gravel can influence the flow of effluent and the ability of the soil to treat it as it percolates down.

Considering that all these factors—depth of installation, soil texture, and type