Whether it’s because they live in a rural area or because they want to save on monthly bills, millions of homeowners across the country have a septic system as opposed to a traditional city sewer hookup. Unfortunately, not all Bethel, OH properties can support a conventional septic system, which is where a septic mound comes into play. What is a septic mound? Keep reading—this post will teach you everything you need to know.
Why a mound system?
The mound is a drain field made of gravel and sand that’s raised above the natural soil surface. It’s used in areas where the water table is high, there’s poor soil absorption or there isn’t much soil at all. Inside the mound, there’s a network of pipes that allows the septic wastewater to evenly disperse through the gravel and sand before it reaches the natural soil below. Without the mound, septic wastewater would pollute the soil and the groundwater below it.
What does proper care look like?
Just like with the other components of your septic system, like the tank and the pump, septic mounds in Bethel, OH require proper care to ensure they’re working effectively. Here’s what you need to do as a homeowner:
- Knowing where it is: The first step in septic mound care is knowing where it’s located on your property. Needless to say, you don’t want to start digging a hole on your property if you’re likely to dig right into your septic mound. Your septic system professional can help you identify the exact location of your mound if you’re unsure.
- Water conservation: The more water you use in your home, the more water your mound will have to treat and dispose of. Taking shorter showers and using the washing machine less frequently are just two of the easy ways you can save water.
- Diverting water: Septic mounds in Bethel, OH are carefully graded to provide runoff for wastewater coming from your home. Adding more water runoff than intended can lead to malfunctions with your system. So, if you’re installing a driveway or other structure that could add to that runoff, be sure it’s not located near your septic mound.
- Keeping traffic away: The next time you have a party at your house and need extra parking spaces, be sure nobody parks on top of your septic mound. All of that extra vehicle weight compacts the mound soil and can damage the delicate pipes in the system.
- Periodic inspections: Last, but certainly not least, septic mounds require annual inspections to ensure they’re working to the best of their ability. Inspections include things like making sure the pipes are clear and that the wastewater is being distributed evenly through the mound. On top of having it looked at by a professional, your tank will also need to be pumped and cleaned every three to five years.
What is a septic mound? Now that you know the answer to this question, it’s time to have yours serviced! Give Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. a call today to find out what we can do for you.