What Is a Mound Septic System?

The mound system raises the drain field above the ground level. This gives wastewater more room to filter through clean sand before reaching the natural soil. It’s a clever solution for challenging properties that require additional assistance in removing wastewater.

How Does a Mound Septic System Work?

A mound septic system has three main parts:

• Septic tank – This is where all the waste from your house is initially collected. It separates the solids from the liquids.
• Pump chamber – After the waste breaks down in the tank, liquids move into this chamber. The pump helps send the liquid to the mound.
• Mound – This is a raised area made of layers of sand and soil. Pipes in the mound spread out the liquid, which slowly filters through the sand and gets cleaned before reaching the natural ground.

The system relies on the pump doing its job and the sand staying clean. Regular septic cleaning and inspections are crucial for maintaining the system's proper operation.

What Does the Mound Look Like?

The mound itself resembles a long, low hill in your yard. It might be grassy or landscaped to blend in, but underneath, it’s full of sand, pipes, and layers of soil. The pipes are carefully placed to spread the liquid evenly. If too much liquid is introduced too quickly, or if the system isn’t pumped on time, it can overflow or back up.

If your lawn starts smelling bad, has soggy spots, or the grass on the mound is super green (or dying), it might be time for septic tank pumping.

How to Care for a Mound Septic System

Like any other type of septic system, a mound system requires proper maintenance. Here are some easy tips to help you avoid expensive repairs:

• Pump the tank regularly – A professional septic pumping schedule will keep your tank from overflowing.
• Watch your water use – Don’t overload the system by doing too much laundry at once or using excessive water in one day.
• Don’t park or build on the mound – Heavy things can crush the pipes or compact the soil.
• Keep trees and roots away – Roots can break into the pipes and cause major problems.
• **Schedule regular septic tank cleaning – This helps remove solid buildup and keeps the system in balance.

A reliable septic service provider can help you determine the optimal maintenance schedule based on the number of people living in your home.

Signs Your Mound System Needs Help

It’s essential to identify and address small issues before they escalate into larger problems. Call a septic company like Septic Pumping of Raleigh if you notice:

• Toilets or drains are slow or backing upy
• There’s a bad smell near the mound.
• Water is pooling in your yard.
• Your grass is unusually green or soggy.

These signs typically indicate that your system requires septic cleaning or possibly even repairs. Ignoring them can lead to serious health risks and expensive damage.

How Often Should You Pump a Mound Septic System?

Most experts recommend septic tank pumping every 3 to 5 years, although this interval may vary depending on the number of people living in your home and the amount of water used. Some households may need septic pumping in Raleigh, NC more often. If you’re unsure when your last septic tank cleaning was, it's a good idea to schedule one.

Septic Pumping of Raleigh can help you establish a regular schedule and keep your septic system working properly.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

Let’s take a quick look at the good and not-so-good parts of having a mound septic system.

Pros:

• Great for tricky soil conditions
• Safer for areas with high water tables
• Can be landscaped to look nice

Cons:

• More expensive to install
• Needs electricity to run the pump
• Requires regular septic service and maintenance

Still, for many homes, it remains the best option for safely handling wastewater.

Keep Your Mound System in Top Shape

If you have a mound septic system, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Regular care makes a significant difference in the lifespan and performance of your system. Be sure to schedule septic cleaning and septic tank pumping on time, and watch for early signs of trouble.

Need help with your system? Reach out to a trusted septic company, such as Septic Pumping of Raleigh. They’ve helped many families keep their systems running smoothly, and they can do the same for you. Get peace of mind knowing your system is in expert hands.