Living in Lackawaxen or the surrounding areas of Pike County, Pennsylvania, means enjoying some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. We have the woods, the river, and the rolling hills. However, for a homeowner, that beauty comes with a hidden challenge: the soil.
If you are building a new home or dealing with a failing septic system, you have probably heard two terms tossed around: “Leach Field” and “Mound System.” In our neck of the woods, the mound system is often called a “Turkey Mound.”
At Triple J Services, we spend our days in the dirt. We understand that your septic system isn’t just a tank in the ground; it is a complex wastewater treatment plant. Choosing the right “drain field” is the difference between decades of worry-free service and a backyard full of swampy, foul-smelling water.
Let’s look at the science behind these systems and how the unique geology of Northeast Pennsylvania dictates which one is best for your property.
The Core Function of Your Septic Drain Field
Before we compare the two, we need to understand what they actually do. Your septic tank is only the first step. It catches the solids. The liquid that leaves the tank, called effluent, still contains bacteria and viruses.
The drain field is where the real cleaning happens. The effluent flows into the soil, where natural microbes break down the contaminants. For this to work, the soil needs to be just right. It can’t be too rocky, too saturated with water, or too shallow.
What is a Traditional Leach Field?
A traditional leach field, or absorption field, is installed entirely underground. It usually consists of a series of trenches filled with gravel or specialized plastic chambers. These trenches are buried about one to three feet below the surface.
The effluent flows from the tank into these trenches. From there, it slowly seeps into the native soil. This is the “standard” system that most people picture.
When a Traditional Leach Field Works
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Deep Soil: You need several feet of permeable soil below the trenches to treat the water before it hits the water table or bedrock.
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Good Percolation: The soil must pass a “perc test,” meaning it absorbs water at a specific, healthy rate.
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Low Water Table: If the groundwater is too high, it will flood the trenches and stop the treatment process.
What is a Mound System (Turkey Mound)?
In Pike County, we often run into “limiting zones.” This is a fancy way of saying we hit bedrock or groundwater very quickly. If you only have two feet of soil before you hit solid rock, a traditional leach field is illegal and unsafe. The wastewater would hit the rock and run straight into the groundwater without being cleaned.
A mound system solves this by building the “soil” above the ground. We bring in specific types of sand and gravel to create an artificial hill. The absorption trenches are then placed inside this mound.
Why the Mound is a Pike County Staple
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Bedrock Issues: Much of our region sits on shallow shale or sandstone. The mound provides the necessary vertical distance for treatment.
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High Water Tables: In low-lying areas near the Delaware River, the groundwater is often too close to the surface for underground trenches.
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Slow Percolation: Clay-heavy soils don’t absorb water well. A sand-filled mound acts as a high-speed filter.
The Role of the Pump: Grinder and Effluent Pumps
A traditional leach field often works with gravity. The tank is higher than the field, so the water just flows downhill.
Mound systems are different. Since the mound is usually higher than the tank, gravity won’t work. This is where mechanical components become vital. Your system will require an Effluent Pump to push the liquid up into the mound.
In some cases, if your house sits lower than the septic tank itself, you might even need a Grinder Pump. These pumps grind up solids and push them uphill to the tank. At Triple J Services, we specialize in Grinder Pump Repair & Installation and Effluent Pump Service & Replacement. These pumps are the “heart” of a mound system. If they fail, the whole system stops.
Comparing Costs and Maintenance
There is no sugar-coating it: a mound system is generally more expensive to install than a traditional leach field.
Traditional Leach Field Factors
Installation is faster because there is less material to bring in. We use our excavation equipment for Excavation & Utility Trenching, lay the pipes, and backfill with the dirt we already dug up. Maintenance is low, usually just requiring regular Septic System Inspections and pumping.
Mound System (Turkey Mound) Factors
The cost is higher because we have to truck in tons of specialized sand and gravel. There is also the cost of the pump and the electrical work required to run it. However, in many parts of Lackawaxen, a mound isn’t an “option”—it is the only legal way to have a functioning septic system.
High-Pressure Drain Jetting: Keeping Pipes Clear
Regardless of which system you choose, the pipes inside the field can become clogged over time with “sludge” or “biomat.” This is especially true if the tank isn’t pumped often enough.
If a leach field starts to slow down, we often use High-Pressure Drain Jetting (Hydro-Jetting). This process uses a specialized nozzle to blast water through the lines at high pressure. It scours the inside of the pipes, removing clogs and opening up the perforations so water can flow freely again. This can often save a failing field and delay a costly Septic System Installation & Replacement.
The Pike County “Perc Test”
Before we can tell you what is best for your property, we need a “perc” (percolation) test. This is a state-mandated test where a sewage enforcement officer (SEO) observes how fast water drains from holes dug on your property.
If the water drains too fast, it’s a fail. If it drains too slow, it’s a fail. If we hit the water table at 20 inches, we know a traditional field is out of the question. At Triple J Services, we work alongside engineers to interpret these results and design the most efficient system for your specific lot.
French Drains and Your Septic System
Sometimes the soil is fine, but the “surface water” is the problem. If rainwater from your driveway or gutters is dumping onto your septic area, it will saturate the ground. A saturated leach field cannot accept wastewater.
We often install French Drains & Drainage Solutions alongside septic systems. By redirecting the rain and groundwater away from the leach field or mound, we ensure the system stays dry and functional even during a heavy Pennsylvania downpour.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Lackawaxen is a unique place. You can’t apply “big city” plumbing logic to a rocky mountain lot. You need a team that knows the difference between the soil in Masthope and the soil near the Roebling Bridge.
Triple J Services is located right here in Lackawaxen, PA. We are a family-owned business that takes pride in being the “local guys.” When we handle a Septic System Installation, we aren’t just doing a job; we are helping a neighbor. You can learn more about our local roots on our About Us page.
We own our own heavy machinery. This means we don’t have to wait for a rental company to show up. Whether it’s Emergency Septic Pumping or a full Leach Field Repair, we are ready to roll.
Technical External Resources
For more information on Pennsylvania’s specific rules for on-lot sewage, check out these high-authority resources:
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PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – Act 537: Learn about the laws governing septic systems in our state.
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EPA SepticSmart Homeowner Guide: A great resource for understanding the different types of septic systems and how to maintain them.
Signs Your Current System is Failing
Whether you have a mound or a trench system, you need to watch for red flags. If you notice any of these, call us for Septic System Inspections immediately:
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Foul Odors: The smell of “rotten eggs” around the yard.
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Gurgling Pipes: Toilets or sinks that make noise when you flush.
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Slow Drains: Multiple drains in the house acting sluggish at once.
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Spongy Grass: Lush, green, wet spots over the drain field area.
Acting early can mean the difference between a minor repair and a total system replacement.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict for Pike County
So, what is best? The answer is: Whatever your soil allows.
If you have deep, well-draining soil, a traditional leach field is the way to go. It is cheaper, simpler, and requires no electricity. However, if you have rocky, shallow soil—as many of us do—the “Turkey Mound” is your best friend. It provides the superior treatment needed to keep our local groundwater clean and safe.
At Triple J Services, we have the experience to install both. We handle everything from the initial excavation to the final seeding of the grass. Check out our full list of septic and excavation services to see how we can help.
Article Recap:
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Leach Fields: Buried underground; best for deep, well-draining soil.
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Mound Systems (Turkey Mounds): Built above ground; essential for rocky soil or high water tables.
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Pike County Soil: Often shallow or clay-heavy, frequently requiring mound systems.
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The Pump Factor: Mounds require effluent pumps to move water uphill.
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Maintenance: Both need regular pumping and inspections to prevent clogs.
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Drainage: French drains help protect your septic area from rainwater saturation.
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Hydro-Jetting: A powerful tool for cleaning pipes and extending the life of your field.
Ready to Solve Your Septic Challenges?
Don’t guess when it comes to your home’s most important utility. Whether you need a new installation, an emergency pump, or a complicated mound repair, Triple J Services is the name you can trust in Lackawaxen and the surrounding areas.
Contact Triple J Services today to schedule an inspection or get an estimate for your septic system project!
