Let’s diving into the world of sand mound systems today. We want to know how a sand mound works. Picture this: You’ve got a beautiful property, but the soil’s not ideal for a traditional septic system.
So, what’s your move? Enter, sand mound systems! They’re a practical, effective solution for wastewater management, even in tricky situations.
Ready to get to know them better? Let’s dig in!
Breaking Down the Sand Mound System
Alright, so let’s get to know the three main players in a sand mound system: the septic tank, the pump chamber, and the sand mound itself.
Meet the Components of a Sand Mound System
First, we’ve got the Septic Tank. This is an underground, watertight box usually made from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It’s the first stop for wastewater from your home.
The tank holds the wastewater long enough to let solids settle down as sludge, while oil and grease float to the top as scum.
Next in line is the Pump Chamber, sometimes called the dosing chamber. Nestled between the septic tank and the sand mound, this chamber houses a pump.
Its job is to collect the liquid effluent from the septic tank and distribute it evenly over the sand mound.
And finally, we’ve got the Sand Mound itself. This is an engineered mound of sand and gravel with a network of small pipes inside.
These pipes are perforated to let the wastewater from the pump chamber trickle onto the sand.
What Each Part Does in the System
Each part of a sand mound system has a special role in treating and disposing of wastewater.
The Septic Tank is all about separation. It divides the solid and liquid parts of the wastewater. Solids settle at the bottom and are partially decomposed by bacteria to form sludge.
Grease and oil rise to the top to form scum. The partially cleaned wastewater, known as effluent, is then pushed out of the tank and into the pump chamber by incoming wastewater.
The Pump Chamber has two jobs. It collects the effluent from the septic tank. Then, it uses a pump to distribute the effluent evenly over the sand mound’s absorption area.
Last but not least, The Sand Mound provides the final treatment and disposal of the effluent. As the effluent trickles down through the sand, fine particles and pathogens are filtered out, and more biological treatment happens as bacteria in the system break down organic material.
The treated wastewater then seeps down through the mound and into the underlying soil.
Understanding how each part works gives us a glimpse into the engineering behind the sand mound system. In the next section, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of how the system works as a whole. Stay tuned!
When Sand Mounds Save the Day
Sometimes, traditional septic systems just don’t cut it. It could be the soil conditions, the water table, or even the size and shape of your property.
When Traditional Septic Systems Don’t Work
First off, let’s talk soil. Traditional septic systems need deep soil with the right composition to filter wastewater. If your soil is shallow, rocky, or clay-heavy, a regular system might not work.
Then there’s the water table. If it’s too high, you might not have enough unsaturated soil to treat wastewater properly. That could lead to groundwater contamination, which is a big no-no.
And don’t forget about your property’s size and shape. If you’re dealing with a small area or steep slopes, squeezing in a conventional system could be a no-go.
Enter the Sand Mound
When traditional septic systems won’t work, that’s when sand mounds shine. These clever systems are engineered to handle tricky soil or geographical conditions.
Imagine a bed of sand and gravel, elevated above the natural soil surface. That’s a sand mound, and it’s perfect for places with a high water table, shallow soil, or impenetrable ground.
Within the sand mound is a network of perforated pipes. Wastewater gets pumped from the septic tank into these pipes and then trickles down through the sand, giving it extra filtration and treatment.
Sand mound systems show how adaptable and flexible we can be with wastewater management. They’re an amazing blend of design and environmental protection.
So, let’s dig a little deeper into what makes up a sand mound and how it works.
Setting Up a Sand Mound System
Now, let’s walk through the process of installing a sand mound system. Remember, this is a job best left to professionals.
How Do We Install a Sand Mound System?
First off, we start with a Site Evaluation and Design. This involves a thorough check of the soil type, water table depth, property size, and the amount of wastewater expected. All these details help to design a system tailor-made for your property.
Next up is Excavation and Preparation. After finalizing the design, it’s time to prepare the site. This means digging up the spot for the septic tank and pump chamber, and getting the area ready for the sand mound.
Then comes the Septic Tank and Pump Chamber Installation. The septic tank and pump chamber are put into the dug-up spots and connected to the house’s plumbing system.
After that, it’s time for the Construction of the Sand Mound. A layer of sand and gravel is laid out in the chosen area.
A network of perforated pipes, linked to the pump chamber, is then put on top of the sand. Lastly, the sand mound is covered with topsoil and seeded to prevent erosion.
Finally, we have System Testing. Once everything’s set up, the system is tested to make sure it all works smoothly.
Things to Keep in Mind During Installation
Installing a sand mound system isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Several factors need to be taken into account.
Soil Type: The kind of soil you have can influence the size and design of the sand mound. Clay or silt, for instance, doesn’t drain as well as sandy soil and might need a bigger mound.
Property Size: You need to have enough space for the sand mound, and extra space in case you need to expand or replace the system in the future.
Local Regulations: Every area has its own rules and regulations for installing sand mound systems. This could include permit requirements, minimum distance from property lines or water bodies, and specific construction standards.
Estimated Wastewater Flow: The expected amount of wastewater from your household also affects the size of the system. More wastewater means a bigger system to properly treat and disperse the effluent.
Installation of a sand mound system requires careful planning and a good understanding of many factors. So, don’t forget to consult with a professional installer. They’ll ensure that everything is designed and set up correctly and follows local regulations.
This video from Diesel & Iron goes over an overview of an engineered septic field for a mound system. It helps to visualize all that we have talked about.
Up next, we’ll talk about how to keep your sand mound system running smoothly with proper maintenance. Stay tuned!
Keeping Your Sand Mound System Running Smoothly
Next up, let’s talk about how to care for your sand mound system. Plus, we’ll also cover some common issues and how to tackle them.
How to Keep Your Sand Mound System in Top Shape
Taking care of your sand mound system isn’t hard, but it’s important. Here’s what you need to do:
Regular Pumping of Septic Tank: Over time, the tank fills up with stuff that can’t break down. Think fibers, certain fats, and oils. Have a pro pump out this sludge every 3 to 5 years.
Regular Inspections: Get a professional to check out your system regularly. They’ll look at the tank and pump chamber, assess the mound, and check for pipe blockages or damage.
Smart Water Use: Don’t overload your system with too much water. Spread out your water use, and fix leaks ASAP.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Some chemicals can wipe out the helpful bacteria in your system. So, avoid pouring stuff like harsh chemicals, paint, or solvents down the drain.
Protecting the Mound Area: Only plant grass over your sand mound to stop soil erosion. Also, never drive or park on the mound as it can compact the soil and wreck the pipes.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with proper care, you might face some issues. Here’s what to look out for and what to do:
Pump Failure: If the pump stops working, wastewater can’t spread over the sand mound. If that happens, you’ll need a pro to fix or replace it.
Pipe Blockage: Blocked pipes can mess up wastewater distribution. Regular inspections can spot blockages early, and a professional can clean or replace the pipes as needed.
Odor Issues: Your sand mound system shouldn’t stink. If you smell something, you might have a blocked vent, a tank that needs pumping, or an issue with the mound itself.
Surfacing Effluent: If you see wastewater surfacing over the mound or somewhere else, it’s a sign of a serious problem. This could be a system overload, a blockage, or a pump failure.
If you run into any of these problems, don’t wait. Contact a professional right away to figure out what’s wrong and fix it.
Regular maintenance and quick action when there’s a problem can keep your sand mound system working great for years.
Weighing the Good and the Not-so-good of Sand Mound Systems
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of sand mound systems. Yes, they’re great, but they’re not perfect. Here’s the lowdown.
High Fives for Sand Mound Systems
Sand mound systems have several big benefits. Here’s why they’re a cool solution for managing wastewater in tough conditions:
Adaptability: Sand mounds can go where traditional septic systems can’t. Think shallow soils, high water tables, or rocky ground.
Effective Treatment: These systems rock at treating wastewater. They use physical filtration and biological treatment, lowering the risk of polluting the environment.
Less Space Needed: Compared to other systems, like lagoons or evaporation-transpiration systems, sand mounds need less space.
Location Flexibility: A sand mound system can be installed in sloped areas where traditional systems might struggle because it’s raised above the ground.
The Not-so-great Side of Sand Mound Systems
Every silver lining has a cloud. Here are a few things you might not love about sand mound systems:
Higher Costs: Installing a sand mound system can cost more than a standard septic system because you’ll need extra materials and labor. Plus, regular professional check-ups can add to the long-term costs.
Aesthetics: Not everyone likes the look of a raised mound in their yard. We Like it though. When we first saw it, my wife went like, ‘look we have our own little mountain.’ Then we found out that it is part of our septic system. But we still like it
Damage Risk: Heavy equipment or vehicles can damage the pipes inside the mound if they drive over it. Repairs can be pricey.
Need for Electricity: Sand mound systems need a pump to spread the effluent over the mound. That means they need a steady electricity supply and could be affected by power outages.
So, there you have it—the good and the not-so-good. But when you weigh it all up, sand mound systems can be an excellent choice where traditional septic systems don’t work.
If you install them correctly and look after them, they can effectively and eco-friendly manage wastewater for a long time.
Conclusion
And there we have it! You’re now equipped with all you need to know about sand mound systems. These clever setups can be real lifesavers when traditional septic systems don’t fit the bill.
But remember, understanding them is just the start. Proper care and maintenance are vital to keep things running smoothly.
So, while they might need a bit more TLC, with the right know-how, they’re a fantastic tool in our wastewater treatment toolkit. Keep on top of it, and your sand mound system will have your back for years to come!