Have you ever noticed that some houses, perhaps even around where you live, have a mound in the yard? Sometimes these mounds have pipes coming out of the top. These mounds are actually part of the septic system for this house. What is the mound for? How does it work? Let’s take a look at these questions and explain why you see these and how mound septic systems actually work.
As we mentioned in a previous article about percolation tests, the soil has to absorb water from your septic system at a certain rate in order for the waste water to be properly biodegraded by the soil. If the ground absorbs the water too slow, it will end up flooding your yard. Too fast means that it could make its way into drinking water before being processed naturally. So what happens when that is the case, the ground isn’t ideal, does that mean you won’t be able to build on the property?
Mound Septic Systems
Mound septic systems are an alternative wastewater treatment method used in areas where standard septic systems are not feasible, typically due to shallow soil depth, high groundwater levels, or poor soil percolation rates. These systems are designed to treat and disperse household wastewater by artificially elevating the drainage field, hence the term “mound.”
The process begins with wastewater flowing from the household into a septic tank. In the tank, solid waste settles to the bottom, forming sludge, while lighter substances like oil and grease float to the top, creating scum. The liquid effluent, positioned between the scum and sludge layers, is relatively clear and flows out of the tank into a dosing chamber.
In the dosing chamber, effluent is temporarily stored and periodically pumped out in controlled doses to the mound system. This controlled dosing is crucial for the system’s efficiency, as it ensures uniform distribution of effluent and prevents overloading.
The mound septic systems itself consists of a bed of gravel or sand built on top of the natural soil surface. Perforated pipes, laid within this bed, distribute the effluent over the absorption area. The wastewater then trickles down through the mound’s layers of sand and gravel, which provide additional treatment by filtering and removing contaminants. Finally, the treated water percolates into the underlying natural soil, where further filtration occurs before it eventually reaches the groundwater.
Mound systems are often used in sensitive environmental areas due to their enhanced treatment capabilities and the protection they offer to groundwater resources. However, they require more space and maintenance compared to conventional septic systems.
Mound Septic Systems Expert Installers
This is where mound septic systems comes in. When the ground is not ideal for a septic system, a mound system can be used in many cases. There are a few different aspects of the system you should know about. The system consists of a septic tank, a dosing chamber and a mound. Waste water enters the septic tank after it leaves the house. The solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, just like a regular septic system. The effluent, or waste water is pumped to the mound. The water is pumped in doses, hence the name.
Because the waste water is regulated as it flows through the mound the water can be treated before making it to the original soil beneath. These mounds are not simply a dirt mound, they are carefully designed taking into consideration the original soil below where the mound is to be built. Also the flow rate for the pumps are set for the specific situation. As with all aspects of your properties septic system, it is carefully inspected and approved by your municipality to make sure its safe for your family and your neighbors.
Remember, you don’t need to know everything about your septic system. You should however remember Martin Septic Service. We have been providing septic services for decades throughout Charlotte, Sarasota counties in Florida. Give us a call today, or complete this online form.
