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The purpose of a mound septic system is to keep the waste product away from the water table. The water table has to be maintained, and a damaged septic tank is a quick way to contaminate it. The mound septic system does a great job of protecting the water table and sometimes more so than other septic tank measures.
What is the benefit of using a mound instead of a typical septic field?
Mound systems are used to help purify and transport water efficiently. Some soils are too high in permeability, allowing water to quickly pass through it, hindering purification effectiveness and allowing contamination to spread to nearby water sources or ecosystems. .
Are mound septic systems better?
Mound septic systems are considerably more expensive than conventional septics because they require more sophisticated construction. The cost of the electric pump and sand also contributes to the total price. Mound septic systems have an average cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
What is the purpose of a mound system?
The main purpose of a mound system is to provide sufficient treatment to the natural environment to produce an effluent equivalent to, or better than, a conventional onsite disposal system. Listed below are some advantages and disadvantages of mound systems when compared to other alternative onsite systems.
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.
Do mound septic 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.
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.
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.
What is a mound system alternative?
Mound systems Mound septic systems are a very common type of alternative septic system used when the soil conditions do not allow for a conventional septic system. They allow many people to use a septic system, when they otherwise could not have.
What is the most expensive septic system?
A mound septic system costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install. It’s the most expensive system to install but often necessary in areas with high water tables, shallow soil depth, or shallow bedrock.
How does a mound sewer 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.
What is a mound system septic system?
Mound systems are an option in areas of shallow soil depth, high groundwater, or shallow bedrock. The constructed sand mound contains a drainfield trench. Effluent from the septic tank flows to a pump chamber where it is pumped to the mound in prescribed doses.
How do you take care of a 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.
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 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.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
On average, it costs $411 to clean or pump a septic tank. Most homeowners spend between $287 and $546. It’s possible for extremely large tanks to run $1,000 or more. Most tanks need pumping every 3 to 5 years with inspections every 1 to 3 years.
Why do I smell sewage in my house?
If you are detecting foul sewer odors inside the house, this means that there is a weak link somewhere in your plumbing system. Possible sources include bathroom sink drains, toilets, kitchen drains, basement drains, old cast iron piping, or even the vent stack that goes out through your roof.
Why does my house smell like sewer when it rains?
When it comes to a sewage smell in your home after rain, the most common culprits are cracked pipes and clogged drains. If you have trees in your yard, roots are a common cause of cracked or broken pipes. In addition, tree roots can also crack your septic tank.
Why do I smell septic outside after I shower?
An outdoor septic smell after a shower can be due to improper venting, but is usually caused by an issue with the leach field. A septic smell outside after showering could be a sign of a serious problem with the septic system.
What can I 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.
