A mound septic system is perfect where a conventional septic system won’t work due to higher water tables, shallow soil, or poor soil absorption.
There is no waste container and it uses sand to dispose of the waste where the ground absorbs the waste.
Like every other septic system, there are mound septic system pros and cons too. It’s important to know its every aspect if you are wondering why would you need a mound septic system.
So, stay with me for a while and see for yourself it will be perfect for your property!
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Mound Septic System
Here is a table containing the brief pros and cons of mound septic system:
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable for any climate and soil type. | More expensive than a traditional one. |
| Minimal risk of construction damage since no excavation is required. | Not a good appearance. |
| Less space is required. Perfect for small lots. | Extra components and equipment are required and need to be maintained. |
| You can cover the mound with vegetation for better effluent filtration. | Possibility of foul smell from the waste. |
| Environment-friendly. | It faces more problems; so it requires more repair works. |
Let’s talk about them in detail.
Advantages of Mound Septic System
You have seen it mostly in the countryside but you can have it too. But you don’t have it just because your property is not suitable for a conventional septic system. The mound system offers some advantages too.
Here is a list of them If you are wondering why would you need a mound septic system:
- A Good Alternative
It works perfectly fine where traditional at-grade or the in-ground septic system won’t work. If you have a decent budget, a mound septic system can be your best alternative to the traditional septic system.
- Suitable For Any Soil Type
If your soil does not pass the test required for a traditional septic system, you can have the mound septic system irrespective of the soil absorption level.
- Less Space Required
You don’t need a bigger space for a mound septic system. So, if you have a smaller lot or uneven lot, you can still have a functioning septic system.
- Relatively Inexpensive
It’s expensive than the traditional septic system but less expensive than a custom engineered septic system. Also, it will cost you less for repairing than other septic systems.
In a mound septic system, you just need to reset it by turning over the ground and digging out again. So, it’s economical in the long run.
- Environment Friendly
It won’t contaminate the nearby water source since it does not discharge the waste directly to such a source.
So, it’s a good system to protect the water table. In fact, it protects the water table better than almost any other septic system.
This is how…
Unlike the conventional septic system, it has an additional filtration mechanism to treat the waste. It releases the clean effluent to the water table after a rigorous filtration process.
- Great Backup Replacement
It will work as your ultimate savior when the main system fails. As a replacement system, you will need less land but it will help you to meet the health dept. regulations and building codes.
Mound Septic System Problems
Just because it’s a good and functioning alternative to the conventional septic system does not mean it’s free of problems.
So, this is the part where I encourage every mound septic system enthusiast to pay attention.
Here is a list of issues associated with the mound septic system:
- Mound septic system is always more expensive than its conventional septic system counterpart. It’s a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. So, extra cost is a must.
- Also, you need to buy a pump to pump the effluent. It requires other components and equipment that need to be maintained properly too.
- Requires highly sophisticated construction. If not careful, you or the contractor may damage the topsoil.
- If you don’t work on your landscaping option, the appearance of mound system won’t be so pleasant! Once installed, it’s nothing but a mound of dirt!
- If any of the system components fail, you will experience backups and other problems since this is not a gravity fed system.
- As the mound septic system is place near the surface, there is a possibility of having a found smell if the waste can’t leach fast through the ground. For traditional or other septic system type, you will not know they are there unless the waste container overflow!
Alright, these are some scary cons of the mound system but keep in mind that no septic system is out of problems.
Should You Get Mound Septic System?
I have talked about all the benefits including common mound septic system problems. Now, do you still think you need one?
Look, if your property does not pass the soil test to have a traditional septic system, you must go for its alternative. Besides conventional septic system has problems like having standing water in the leach field and so on.
But mound septic system is not the only alternative you have!
They are plenty of them and some of them are less expensive than the mound system. So, if you have a limited budget, I would recommend considering other options too.
But if the cost of having a mound system is not a problem for you and you can’t have the conventional one, then a mound system is definitely your best choice.
You should always hire a professional septic service company to install the mound system. Only a professional is better equipped and has the required experience to do it right.
Remember, a faulty installation of the sound system will cost you badly in the long run. So, don’t go for a cheap service company. Instead, pay attention to the years of experience.
And if you decide to have this mound system, consider covering the mound with vegetation. This will help to function the system properly.
The plants will help to evaporate better which in turn will help the system to filter the effluent better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most common mound septic system is made of concrete and steel and usually, it lasts for 40 years if maintained properly.
The mound septic system should not smell unless there is a problem in the in-ground drain bed or the mound.
Yes, due to the complex construction, it’s more expensive than the conventional septic system at least. The average cost of a mound septic system ranges between $10K to $20K.
Regular maintenance is the best thing you can do to keep your mound septic system functioning. Inspect it once a year at least and if you have to pump it, then pump it to avoid clogged pump and mound situations.
If you have to mow on the mound, use a hand mower. Do not let any heavy equipment or vehicles on the mound to prevent compaction.
Closing Remarks
Mound septic system is expensive and labor-intensive than any other septic system. So, you can’t just rush to have this.
But now that you are perfectly aware of both pros and cons of the mound septic system, you should be able to make an informed decision.
If not, talk to any professional and let him examine your property first.
About Author
