How Does a Septic Mound System Work

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There are some areas and even entire states where new septic systems must use a mound system for their effluent purification. Unlike traditional trench systems that use the soil in the ground to purify waste water that comes from the septic tank, mound systems are built above the ground. These systems tend to be slightly more expensive to build and maintain, yet are required by law in many areas.

Function of a Mound System

Both mound and trench systems do the same job; they remove pollutants from the waste water or effluent that comes from the septic tank before the water is allowed to be absorbed back into the earth. The biggest difference is that a mound system must be built, usually using sand and gravel to create a filter for the effluent.

In a mound system, the effluent is pumped from the septic tank to the top area of the mound a few times a day through small pipes. The water saturates the sand layer which is above the gravel layer. Oxygen from the air feeds aerobic bacteria which help remove pollutants from the effluent, along with the filtering effects as the water passes through the sand and gravel layers. The purified water then enters the ground at the bottom of the mound, clean and safe to enter back into the groundwater.

Mound systems are usually required due to concerns for the surrounding environment or soil concentrations. If you are considering building a home that will need a septic system or replacing an old system, you will need to know whether you will need to build a mound system or whether a trench or drain field system can be used. Your local septic professional will be able to discuss what the requirements are and give you options for your new septic system.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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