A mound septic system is usually installed in an area where drainage is insufficient. Remote areas where a public sewer system isn't found are more likely to require an above-ground system. This type of system contains additional parts that are not part of a standard system. Routine inspections and pumping strategies should be addressed at scheduled intervals.
A Standard System Versus A Mound System
A standard septic system is located underground and relies upon gravity. Solid waste will enter a tank and liquid waste will be dispersed throughout a leach field (drain field). A mound system will contain a fiberglass or cement solid waste tank, an effluent tank, and a series of drain lines. The liquid waste will be collected within an effluent tank.
A pump within the tank will be responsible for transferring the liquid waste to a gravel and soil mixture that is located at the top of the system. During the installation of a mound system, a septic service provider will test the soil and will add small gravel pieces and fresh dirt to the area directly below where the effluent tank will be installed. This mixture will adequately drain the liquid waste that the pump will be responsible for moving from the effluent tank.
An Alarm Float And Filtration Materials
Due to the complexity of an above-ground system, it may be necessary to have maintenance performed regularly. Many modern systems contain an alarm float. As the liquid level rises in an effluent tank, a float will gradually rise to the top of the effluent tank. A control panel that is connected to the septic system will sound off an alarm when the tank will need to be emptied. If the power goes out, the pump will not operate. This will result in liquid waste continuing to accumulate.
A septic service provider may warn a consumer to limit the amount of water they use or the number of times that they flush a toilet during a power outage. This will prevent liquid waste from accumulating quickly while a pump is not actively operating.
An above-ground system can become clogged and should contain filtration materials that will prevent solid waste from blocking a septic line. Filters are installed directly in a system and will need to be cleaned and inspected at scheduled times. A septic service provider will prepare a timetable for performing inspections and pumping out a mound septic system.
To learn more, contact a company such as Gator Well & Septic.
Share22 July 2022
As you read the articles on this website, you will notice two things. First, they are all about septic services in some ways. Second, some go deep — and others are full of more surface-level facts. This is kind of like your septic system itself! The tank is buried deep, but the drain field is more superficial. You don't have to be an expert on septic systems, but as someone who owns one, you should at least know how to tell when something is wrong with yours so you can call for service. You'll get that level of understanding from this blog — and probably more!
