General Tips for Constructing Elevated Sand Mounds
- Avoid construction on wet soil to reduce compaction and smearing.
- Use low-load, tracked construction vehicles and always keep sand between the vehicle and soil during construction.
- Add the sand, berm soil and aggregate from the upslope side.
- Keep all equipment and vehicles off the absorption area at all times.
Full Answer
What is a sand mound septic system?
The sand mound septic system is a drain field 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 ensure uniform distribution throughout the bed.
Where should a septic mound be placed?
The mound of your septic system will need to be placed on flat ground or low sloping grades, as too steep of a slope can lead to effluent runoff during times of high discharge. It can be difficult to incorporate the mound into your property, without it being unattractive and catching unwanted attention.
How can I reduce the mounding of my septic tank effluent?
A long, narrow slope will minimize the "mounding" of the groundwater table under the absorption bed. Treatment is further enhanced by using a pressure distribution system to uniformly apply ("dose") the septic tank effluent over the mound bed several times per day.
How do you maintain a sand mound system?
Inspecting the mound and downslope areas for odours, wet spots or surfacing sewage periodically. The sand mound system has observation ports and should be checked at regular intervals to see if there is a liquid level continually greater than 6 inches.
How is a sand mound constructed?
1:133:00Sand Mound Septic Field Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe bed begins with a layer of rubber chips. And after that we build the pipe network across it andMoreThe bed begins with a layer of rubber chips. And after that we build the pipe network across it and then also surround it with some more rubber chips to complete the full. Bed.
How is a mound system constructed?
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.
How much space do you need for a mound septic system?
Although the separation distance varies, it is usually between 1 and 4 feet. To date, siting and design experience at sites suitable for mound systems indicates that absorption systems should be long and narrow and should follow the contour (i.e., level).
How do you maintain a sand mound septic system?
Inspect your septic tank once every year and pump it when needed. If the tank is not pumped periodically, solids escaping from the septic tank will clog the pump and mound. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the tank and require more frequent pumping. 2.
How long does a sand mound septic system last?
Mounds and septic systems designed and installed prior to the year 2000 AVERAGE 20 to 25 years of useful life prior to failing and needing to be replaced. Many systems fail sooner than 20 years, and many last well beyond 25 years, the AVERAGE is 20 to 25 years. What causes failure of a mound or septic system.
How often does a mound system need to be pumped?
once every three to five yearsThe septic tank and dosing chamber should be pumped out at least once every three to five years. Depending on the size of the septic tank and the number of people in the household, the interval between pumpings may need to be shorter.
Can a mound system be put anywhere?
It costs a great deal of money to install these systems, but they can be placed anywhere. A mound septic system has no container, and digging too far gets you too close to the water table. This means instead of digging down you have to dig out.
How long does it take to put in a mound septic system?
If the land is not ideal, it may take extra time to excavate or get the soil suitable for leaching. The permitting process could delay progress, or even weather can be a factor. However, on average, it takes about 7 days for a knowledgeable team to get your system set up.
How far can a mound system be from the house?
Septic tanks or fields need to be placed at least five feet away from your home.
Why is my sand mound leaking?
A common cause for seeping mounds is poor-quality materials including: Sand with too many fines: There should not be over 5 percent silts and clays (side/top) Sand with too much fine sand: This is a problem when fines total more than 5 percent (side/top)
How does a mound septic system work step by step?
7:3018:57Mound Septic Systems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe would build this directly at the ground surface. And the effluent that is separated from theMoreWe would build this directly at the ground surface. And the effluent that is separated from the wastewater in the septic tank is pumped here and distributed through the network of pipes.
What can you put on top of a septic mound?
Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield. Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area. However, just adding topsoil is generally OK if it isn't more than a couple of inches.
Do mound septic systems smell?
Smell. Most septic systems you will not know is there because they will not smell. There is a possibility that the normal septic system container can overflow, but it doesn't happen often. The mound septic system is placed near the surface, which means you are not far from the sewage.
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 many tanks does a mound system have?
A mound septic system use 2 tanks… this first tank is used as a normal tank (for settling of the solids) and the second tank has a pump in it that when the water level reaches a certain point or with a timer, the pump kicks on and pushes the effluent to the mound…
Are mound septic systems good?
Mound Systems Treatment of the effluent occurs as it discharges to the trench and filters through the sand, and then disperses into the native soil. While mound systems can be a good solution for certain soil conditions, they require a substantial amount of space and periodic maintenance.
What are Mound Septic Systems?
Mound Septic Systems (also known as an Above Ground Septic System or a Sand Mound Septic System), is drain field that, true to its name, sits above ground in an engineered mound.
How much does a Mound Septic System cost?
Pricing can range depending on quite a few factors, soil conditions, size of lot, home size, the permeability of the soil, cost of sand and transportation (often very rural lots can be long distances from quarries and trucking costs can easily run high).
What about the disadvantages of mound septic systems?
Since engineering and materials involved, Mound Septic Systems can be more expensive and take longer to install than a traditional septic system or another above ground alternative
Why is regular maintenance of a septic system important?
This is because Mound Septic Systems are more complex, fragile and costly than other types of septic systems. Plan a yearly inspection of your system and arrange for the septic tank and the dosing chamber to be pumped every three to five years.
Why is it important to clean the septic system at the mound?
This is important because your Mound Septic System would not be able to clean the effluent properly if it arrived all at once.
What is Wisconsin septic system?
The “Wisconsin Mound” consists of gravel trenches set into a mound of sand (hence we sometimes call it a Sand Mound Septic System). The distribution pipes are placed in the gravel trenches and the wastewater is fed out of these by a method called pressure-dosing.
What happens if you use a septic system that is not permeable?
Using the wrong septic system in a highly permeable soil can result in contamination of nearby water sources or ecosystems. On the other hand, soils low in permeability will not be able to absorb wastewater fast enough. Using the wrong septic system in this case often gives rise to unsanitary conditions like surface pooling.
How much slope is required for a sand mound?
Elevated sand mounds are limited to sites having a maximum of 15 percent slopes. In addition, the Perc Rate must be between 3 and 180 minutes per inch. Proper siting, design, construction and maintenance of mound treatment systems are key to their proper functioning.
How big is a sand mound?
Sand mound absorption areas are about the same size as conventional in-ground absorption systems averaging 600 to 1,500 square feet for a three-bedroom home. Because the absorption area is raised and surrounded by a berm, the total sand mound area will be considerably larger than the actual absorption area.
How many inches of soil is needed for wastewater treatment?
To provide for on-lot treatment of wastewater in soils with between 20 and 60 inches of suitable soil available above the limiting zone, ...
What is elevated sand?
An elevated sand mound is a constructed mound of sandy fill material placed on top of the 20 to 60 inches of natural or prevailing soil. In many areas of Pennsylvania the soils have layers, defined as limiting zones, within the soil profile that are less than 60 inches deep. According to the Pennsylvania on-lot sewage regulations, ...
Why do you need a sealed manhole extension?
A sealed manhole extension, rising to the land surface, should cover the tank's access manhole. This is to prevent access to the dose tank.
Why do sand mounds malfunction?
The most common sand mound malfunctions are due to hydraulic overloading caused by excessive water use in the home and poor siting. Typically, in the case of hydraulic overloading, water will emerge at the toe of the mound or erupt on top.
How deep is sand in a soil?
For example, if the depth to the limiting zone is 20 inches, the depth of sand at the upslope edge of the absorption area must be 28 inches; the depth of soil plus this minimum depth of sand equals 48 inches.
Where does the scum settle in a septic tank?
The heavier solid matter settles to the bottom of the se ptic tank, where microorganisms feed on the waste and break it down. Lighter fats, oils, and greases float to the top of the tank, forming a scum that may eventually break down or be skimmed during system maintenance.
How do septic systems work?
If you use a septic system, be septic smart! If you understand how your system works and how to maintain it, you will: 1 protect your drinking water supply and your health; 2 ensure your system’s longevity—and avoid paying thousands for a new system; 3 protect your property value; and 4 help protect Pennsylvania’s groundwater, streams, rivers, and lakes.
Who Has Oversight of Your Septic System?
In Pennsylvania, local municipalities (for example, boroughs and townships) are responsible for making sure that private septic systems of 10,000 gallons or less meet DEP requirements.
Why is soil important in a septic system?
Here, it’s dispersed to percolate through the soil for further treatment by microbes. Because of its filtering ability and the microbes it contains, soil is the most important part of a septic system! It is the critical barrier between partially treated sewage and groundwater and surface waters.
Why do municipalities have sewage management programs?
Some municipalities also have a sewage management program to make sure property owners perform the necessary maintenance of their septic systems.
How often should you inspect a septic tank in Pennsylvania?
Protect it and inspect it. According to Pennsylvania regulations, solids should be pumped out of the septic tank every three years, or when an inspection shows the tank is more than one-third filled with solids or scum. An inspector will also check that electrical float switches, pumps, and mechanical components are all operating correctly.
How long does a septic system last?
The average lifespan of a septic system is estimated at 15 to 40 years, but it may last longer if properly maintained. Just like changing the oil in your car, maintaining your septic system extends its life for a small cost compared to the expense of installing a new system, which typically runs $15,000 or more.
What is a mound system?
By Susan Peterson. When the ground under a septic system is either solid rock or close to groundwater, a mound system works better than a traditional septic leach field. In this type of system, a mound of earth is built over the natural surface of the soil. Effluent is pumped through the pipes inside the mound.
How to prevent erosion in a mound?
When you sculpt the area around the mound, allow water to flow away from the mound. Water should not pool on the mound. Position the plants on the mound so they are dense enough to prevent erosion.
Why do you plant low maintenance plants on a mound?
Plant low-maintenance plants on the mound itself to minimize walking on the mound. Walking compacts soil, which impedes the flow of air around the system.
Can you camouflage a septic mound?
Though the mound is an efficient way of disposing of household sewage, it tends to be ugly from a landscaping point of view. With a little work, however, you can camouflage a septic mound.
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Constructing A Mound
A. Site Layout
B. Site Preparation
C. Fill Placement
D. Pressure Distributionnetwork Placement
E. Covering
- Step 2:Next, place a barrier material overthe coarse aggregate (Figure 12). Suitablematerials can be synthetic filter fabric, 4-6inches of marsh hay or straw, or untreatedbuilding paper. Step 3:Cover the bed and sand fill with atleast 6 inches of a fine textured subsoil of clayor silt loam (Figure 13). The cover over thebed should be further mounde...
F. Septic Tank Andpump Chamber Installation
G. Maintaining The System
Additional Assistance