What is Process for Installing a Mound Septic System?

Pre-Installation Requirements

Before installing a mound septic system, it’s essential to determine the site’s suitability and design the system properly. This involves testing the soil for its percolation rate, which measures the rate at which water drains through the soil. Typically, a percolation rate of 1-3 minutes per inch is considered ideal for a mound septic system. A soil test kit or a percolation test can be used to determine the site’s suitability. A suitable design should also account for the system’s capacity, including the number of bedrooms and gallons of wastewater to be treated.

Excavation and Chamber Construction

Excavation for a mound septic system typically involves digging a series of trenches and chambers, usually 6-8 feet deep and 8-10 feet wide. The trenches should be spaced 10-15 feet apart, with a layer of aggregate material, such as gravel or sand, placed at the bottom of each trench. The chambers should be constructed with a minimum of 3-4 feet of clearance between each level, allowing for adequate space for treatment and filtration. A geotextile fabric can be used to prevent soil particles from entering the system.

Installation and Testing

Once the excavation and chamber construction are complete, the septic tank and drainfield can be installed. The septic tank should be placed at a slight angle to ensure proper flow and drainage. The drainfield should be backfilled with a mixture of aggregate material and soil, and a layer of topsoil should be applied to prevent erosion. Testing the system involves inspecting the drainfield for signs of clogging or failure, and verifying that the system is functioning properly. This may involve conducting a dye test or using a non-invasive inspection tool to monitor system performance.