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The mound is a drainfield that is raised above the natural soil surface in a specific sand fill material. Within the sand fill is a gravel-filled bed with a network of small diameter pipes. Septic tank effluent is pumped through the pipes in controlled doses to insure uniform distribution throughout the bed.
Can you drive over a mound system?
No, driving over your septic drain field is similarly never ever recommended. As much as you are able to help it, prevent cars or heavy equipment (such as oil delivery trucks, swimming pool water trucks, cement mixers, and also the like) to drive straight over the field.
How often do you pump a mound system?
Yes, both mound systems and in-ground systems must have the solids pumped out of the septic tank portion of the system on a regular basis. The state requires that all systems be pumped every three years if the tank has accumulated solids to a depth of one-third the tank depth.
What is the life expectancy of a mound system?
A well-built and properly maintained drainfield should last for at least 20 years. But there are some factors that determine exactly how long the septic drain field will last.
What do I need to know about mound septic system?
A mound septic system is an alternative to other septic tank systems. It rests near the top of the ground and does not use a container for the waste. This type of septic system disposes the waste through sand, and the ground will absorb the waste. The mound septic system has many good points and bad points.
Should you mow a septic mound?
To prevent compaction, do not allow any vehicles or heavy equipment on the mound. When mowing the lawn, use a hand mower, rather than a riding mower. This will also help protect the mound from losing soil to erosion. The slope of the mound makes it more susceptible to erosion than a conventional drain field.
Can you use a riding mower on septic mound?
No. Ride-on mowers and other garden care equipment will not harm your leach field. You should, however, stay away from it with cars, pick-up trucks, and rubber tired heavy equipment like backhoe loaders.
What are the signs that your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank: Your Drains Are Taking Forever. Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank. Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard. You Hear Gurgling Water. You Have A Sewage Backup. How often should you empty your septic tank?.
How does septic mound system work?
The mound is a drainfield that is raised above the natural soil surface in a specific sand fill material. The effluent leaves the pipes under low pressure through small diameter holes, and trickles downward through the gravel and into the sand.
Do mound systems smell?
The soil treatment area, or leach field, consists of an in-ground drain bed, field, or mound, and there should not be a strong septic odor unless there’s a problem.
Can you walk on a sand mound?
Low-maintenance perennial plants that minimize the need to walk on the mound are ideal. Walking compacts the soil and may interfere with the evaporation of effluents. Do as little digging as possible when planting to avoid disturbing the mound and be sure to wear gloves to minimize your physical contact with the soil.
How do you maintain a sand mound septic system?
Proper Care Includes: Checking the pump chamber, pump and floats every year and replacing or repairing worn or broken parts. Installing a septic tank effluent filter or pump screen, if your system does not have one. Taking action to protect the mound from overloading after a prolonged power outage or pump failure.
How much are mound systems?
Costs of Mound Septic Systems A mound septic system has an average cost between $10,000 and $20,000, but may cost more for exceptionally large systems. It is important to regularly maintain the septic system, with annual maintenance and pumping having an average cost of $500.
How do you hide a mound septic system?
3 Ways To Hide Your Mound Septic Systems With Landscaping Design Herb Gardens On And Around Your Septic Mound. Herb gardens can be planted on mounds to hide them. Retaining Walls To Build Up The Location Of Your Mound. Create A Rock Garden To Hide The Mound Of Your Septic System.
What is a turkey mound?
A sand mound, or turkey mound, is one of the common alternatives to septic drain fields in the Pike County, PA region. The turkey mound, an elevated sand mound, is a better choice for individuals who cannot risk a traditional drain or leach field due to either higher water tables in the region.
What can you plant on a septic mound?
Herbaceous plants, such as wildflowers and grasses, are good choices for mound plantings. Grasses are especially desirable due to their fibrous root systems which hold soil in place. Grasses also provide year-round cover.
Why is my grass turning yellow over my drain field?
Hazardous Chemicals. The chemicals that enter the septic system attached to a leach field can have an impact on the lawn around the leach field. The waste water released by leach lines can increase the amount of salt in the soil, causing the grass around the lines to turn yellow.
