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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 need to be pumped?
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.
Is a mound septic system bad?
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.
Can you walk on a mound septic?
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.
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.
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.
How long does a septic mound last?
The loss of good bacteria leads to clogs and system failure. How Long Does a Septic Leach Field Last? A septic leach field is the first component of a system to fail, but it can last 20 years if properly maintained. The field’s size and how much wastewater it serves can impact its life.
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.
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.
How big is a septic mound?
A common mound size is 34 feet by 93 feet, but shapes vary significantly with design because of the large size of the mound. Septic systems are sized according to the amount of waste they will be treating, usually estimated by the number of bedrooms in the home.
How do you hide a septic tank mound?
Plant shrubs or perennial plants on the berms around the mound or along the edges where the berms meet the flat part of your yard. Avoid planting shrubs or anything with deep roots on the mound itself.
How do you hide a mound?
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.
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.
What is a drip mound septic system?
Mound Systems Effluent from the septic tank flows to a pump chamber where it is pumped to the mound in prescribed doses. Treatment of the effluent occurs as it discharges to the trench and filters through the sand, and then disperses into the native soil.
Does a sand mound have a tank?
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 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.
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.
What is the difference between a septic system and a mound system?
Mound systems are an alternative to the traditional rural septic system drain field. They are used in areas where septic systems are prone to failure from extremely permeable or impermeable soils, soil with the shallow cover over porous bedrock, and terrain that features a high water table.
How much does a sand mound cost?
Alternative Septic Systems Cost Type Cost Mound $10,000 – $20,000 Sand Filter $7,000 – $18,000 Drip $8,000 – $18,000 Evapotranspiration $10,000 – $15,000.
How much does it cost to replace a sand mound?
Mound Septic System This design requires a lot of space. They’re also expensive to install because a sand mound has to be constructed. Total cost ranges from $10,000 to $20,000.
