When it comes to choosing the right septic system for your home or business, many property owners don’t realize just how many options are available—and how important it is to choose the right one for your soil conditions and location. If you live in Texas and your property has poor drainage or high groundwater levels, a mound septic system might be exactly what you need.
At Strictly Septic, we’ve helped homeowners and property managers throughout Texas navigate their septic options for years. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about mound septic systems—including how they work, why they’re often the smartest solution for certain properties, and why Strictly Septic is the best company to install and maintain yours.
What Is a Mound Septic System?
A mound septic system is an alternative to traditional underground septic systems, specially designed for sites with poor soil conditions, high water tables, or shallow bedrock. These systems use an elevated mound of engineered sand and gravel to filter and treat wastewater before it enters the natural environment.
Instead of letting the wastewater drain directly into the ground, a mound system lifts and spreads it across a built-up filtration bed, where it is treated naturally before reaching the soil.
Why Consider a Mound Septic System?
1. Ideal for Challenging Soil Conditions
One of the main reasons to consider a mound system is if your property has clay-heavy, sandy, or compacted soil, which doesn’t allow for adequate absorption of effluent. Mound systems are custom-designed to compensate for these challenges.
2. Prevents Contamination of Groundwater
High water tables pose a serious risk for groundwater contamination, especially with standard systems that rely on deep soil filtration. Mound systems elevate the treatment area, significantly reducing the risk of untreated effluent reaching groundwater sources.
3. Custom-Engineered for Long-Term Performance
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, a mound system is specifically designed for your unique property. This ensures better performance, higher efficiency, and greater longevity when properly maintained.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Mound systems are a green solution because they ensure more thorough wastewater treatment, reducing the environmental impact on your land and surrounding ecosystems.
5. Avoids Soil Saturation and System Failure
Traditional septic systems can fail due to over-saturation, especially in areas with frequent rainfall or poor soil drainage. A mound system is designed to stay above the saturation zone, helping your system continue to function during adverse weather conditions.
How a Mound Septic System Works
Understanding the mechanics of a mound system can help you see why it’s so effective:
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Wastewater leaves your home and enters the septic tank, where solids settle and anaerobic digestion begins.
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The partially treated effluent is then pumped to a dosing chamber.
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From there, it is evenly distributed via a pressure distribution network into the mound, which is constructed of sand, gravel, and soil.
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As the effluent percolates through the mound layers, naturally occurring bacteria break down contaminants.
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The now-cleaner water is absorbed by the soil below or evaporates.
This multi-stage process ensures that by the time the water returns to the natural water cycle, it’s significantly cleaner and safer than it would be with many conventional systems.
When to Choose a Mound Septic System
Not every property needs a mound system—but when it’s the right fit, it’s a game changer. You should consider a mound septic system if:
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Your property has high groundwater levels
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You have shallow bedrock near the surface
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Your soil has poor permeability or drainage
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You want to ensure higher treatment levels and lower risk of contamination
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You’re developing on a lot that can’t support a conventional system
If you’re not sure whether a mound system is right for your land, our experienced team at Strictly Septic can conduct a soil analysis and provide recommendations based on your site conditions.
Why Strictly Septic Is the Right Company for the Job
Installing a mound septic system is a precision job that demands expertise, experience, and careful planning. That’s exactly what we offer at Strictly Septic. Here’s why we’re the team you want on your side:
✔ Years of Experience in Texas
Our team understands the unique environmental and soil conditions throughout Texas. Whether you’re in rural countryside or semi-urban areas, we know what works—and we know how to get your system approved and running efficiently.
✔ Full-Service Septic Company
We don’t just install systems. We offer a complete range of services, including inspections, pumping, repairs, and maintenance. Learn more about what we offer on our septic company services page.
✔ Custom Designs for Your Property
No two mound systems are alike. We analyze your property, design a system that meets your needs, and install it with precision. We ensure your system meets all county and state regulations, and we walk you through everything you need to know to keep it functioning at its best.
✔ Dependable Ongoing Support
A mound system requires periodic care to ensure it works effectively for years. That’s why we offer scheduled maintenance, emergency repairs, and routine inspections to keep everything in perfect working order.
✔ Trusted by Homeowners Across Texas
We’ve built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and unmatched customer care. Our client testimonials speak for themselves—and we’re proud to be the first call for many Texans needing expert septic services.
Learn More About Mound Systems on Our Website
Want a deeper dive into how these systems work and what the installation process involves? Visit our page dedicated to mound septic systems to explore system benefits, installation details, and FAQs.
What to Expect From the Installation Process
Here’s how we make it easy to upgrade to a mound septic system:
1. Site Evaluation
We start with a full site visit to assess your soil, elevation, and available space.
2. Design and Permitting
We handle the engineering, local regulations, and paperwork so you don’t have to.
3. Excavation and Construction
Our team builds the sand mound and installs the entire system, including tank, pump chamber, and distribution pipes.
4. System Testing
We thoroughly test the entire system to make sure everything works exactly as it should.
5. Maintenance Plan
We’ll recommend a schedule for inspections and pumping so you can avoid problems down the road.
Common Questions About Mound Septic Systems
How long does a mound septic system last?
With proper care, a mound system can last 20-30 years or more. Regular maintenance is key.
Do mound systems cost more than traditional systems?
They typically have higher upfront costs due to the materials and engineering involved, but the long-term savings in reduced failure risk and environmental protection often make them a better investment.
Can I landscape over a mound system?
Yes! You can plant grass and shallow-rooted plants on and around the mound. Just avoid trees or anything with deep roots.
Does a mound system smell?
A properly functioning system should not smell. If there are odors, that’s a sign it needs service or repair.
Don’t Wait for a Septic Emergency—Plan Smart With Strictly Septic
If your property has unsuitable soil for a traditional septic system or if you want a reliable, eco-conscious solution, a mound septic system may be the best option for you. At Strictly Septic, we’ve got the tools, experience, and team to help you from day one.
Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an old system, we’re here to help. Visit our homepage at Strictly Septic or explore all our septic company services to see how we can support your septic needs across Texas.
Let’s Build a Smarter Septic Future—Together
At Strictly Septic, we believe that every home deserves a reliable, well-designed waste management solution that fits its specific environment. If a mound system is right for you, we’ll make the entire process seamless—from permitting and design to installation and long-term care.
Contact us today to schedule your free site evaluation and let’s get started on building the right system for your land.
