Winter in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania, is beautiful but brutal. As the temperatures drop, homeowners start thinking about frozen pipes inside their houses. However, there is another system outside that is just as vulnerable to the deep freeze: your septic mound system.
A mound system, often called a “Turkey Mound,” is an elevated drain field. These systems are used when the soil on a property is too shallow or too dense for a traditional underground leach field. Because they sit above the natural grade, they are more exposed to cold air and biting winds.
Triple J Services understands the unique challenges of maintaining these systems in Pike County. If your mound freezes, your entire septic system stops working. We want to help you prevent a messy and expensive winter disaster.
Why Mound Systems Freeze
In a traditional septic system, the pipes are buried deep enough to benefit from the earth’s natural warmth. Mound systems are different. The distribution pipes are located inside the sand and gravel mound above the ground.
During a typical Pennsylvania winter, the frost line can extend deep into the soil. If there isn’t enough snow cover to act as insulation, the cold penetrates the mound. This can cause the standing water in the pipes to turn into ice.
Once an ice plug forms, wastewater from your house has nowhere to go. This leads to sewage backups in your home or effluent leaking out of the sides of the mound. Neither situation is pleasant.
The Importance of Snow Cover
Snow is actually a septic system’s best friend. A thick layer of uncompacted snow acts like a thermal blanket. It traps the heat coming from the septic tank and prevents the frost from reaching the pipes.
Problems occur when we have a “brown winter” with freezing temperatures but no snow. It also happens when people compact the snow. Walking, driving, or running a snowmobile over your mound system pushes the air out of the snow. This destroys its insulating properties.
To protect your system, keep all traffic off the mound. Do not shovel the snow off the top of the mound. If you have a path that crosses over your septic lines, consider rerouting it for the winter.
Using Mulch for Extra Insulation
If the forecast calls for a deep freeze without snow, you can add a layer of artificial insulation. Spreading 8 to 12 inches of loose hay, straw, or mulch over the mound and the pipes can save your system.
This layer should stay in place all winter. It mimics the effect of snow by trapping heat. Just make sure the material is loose. Packaged hay that is still in tight flakes won’t work as well as loose, fluffed-up straw.
If you aren’t sure where your pipes or mound are located, a septic system inspection can help identify the exact layout of your yard.
Fix Leaky Fixtures Immediately
A small drip in your sink or a running toilet might seem like a minor annoyance. In the winter, it is a system killer.
Septic systems rely on large “doses” of warm water to keep the lines clear. A slow drip creates a constant, tiny trickle of water. As this trickle moves through the cold pipes in the mound, it freezes layer by layer. Eventually, this creates a solid ice dam.
Check your home for leaks before the first freeze. Replacing a flapper valve in a toilet is a lot cheaper than an emergency septic pumping call in the middle of a blizzard.
How the Effluent Pump Plays a Role
Mound systems don’t work by gravity alone. They use an effluent pump to push liquid from the septic tank up into the mound. This pump usually sits in a separate chamber.
If the pump fails, the liquid stays in the tank. In the winter, stagnant water in the riser or the discharge pipe is much more likely to freeze than moving water. Ensuring your pump is in good working order is vital.
Triple J Services provides effluent pump service and replacement. We can check your pump’s performance and ensure the float switches aren’t getting stuck. A healthy pump is your first line of defense against a frozen mound.
Grass Height and Winter Prep
Believe it or not, how you mow your lawn in the fall affects your septic system in the winter. You should stop mowing the grass over your mound in late September.
Longer grass captures more snow and provides a small amount of natural insulation. It also helps protect the soil from the wind. If you have already mown it short, the mulch or straw method mentioned above becomes even more important.
What to Do If Your System Freezes
If you notice your drains are slow or your grinder pump alarm is going off during a cold snap, your system might be frozen.
Do not try to thaw the lines yourself by pouring antifreeze, salt, or boiling water down the drain. Antifreeze and salt will kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Boiling water can crack your PVC pipes due to the extreme temperature difference.
The only safe way to handle a frozen system is to call in the experts. We use specialized equipment like high-pressure drain jetting with heated water to safely clear ice blockages without damaging your infrastructure.
The Role of the Septic Tank in Winter
Your septic tank stays relatively warm because of the biological activity inside. The bacteria that break down waste produce a small amount of heat as a byproduct.
However, if you are away from home for a long period during the winter, the tank stops receiving warm water from showers and dishwashers. This makes the entire system more susceptible to freezing.
If you have a vacation home in the Lackawaxen area, it is wise to have your tank checked before you close it up for the season. We offer septic system inspections to ensure everything is stable before the snow flies.
French Drains and Surface Water
Winter isn’t just about ice; it’s also about snowmelt. When the ground is frozen, melted snow has nowhere to go. If your mound system is at the bottom of a slope, it can become oversaturated with surface water.
Excess water in the mound can cause it to “slump” or fail. We offer French drains and drainage solutions to divert water away from your septic components. Proper drainage ensures that your mound only has to handle the liquid from your house, not the runoff from your entire driveway.
Planning for Replacement
If your “Turkey Mound” is old and has frozen several years in a row, it may be a sign that the sand is clogged or the pipes have shifted. At a certain point, repairs are no longer cost-effective.
Triple J Services specializes in septic system installation and replacement. We can design a new mound system that uses modern insulation techniques and better placement to prevent future freezing issues. We also handle all the excavation and utility trenching needed to get the job done right.
Why Experience Matters in PA
The soil and climate in Pennsylvania are unique. What works for a septic system in a warmer state won’t work here. You need a team that understands local geology and weather patterns.
Our team at Triple J Services lives and works in Lackawaxen. We know the local codes and the best practices for our specific environment. You can learn more about our local roots on our about us page.
Essential Winter Maintenance Checklist
To keep your mound system running smoothly, follow these simple steps:
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Stop mowing the mound in late fall.
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Do not drive or park any vehicles on the septic area.
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Add a layer of straw if snow cover is thin.
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Fix all leaking faucets and running toilets.
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Have your effluent pump inspected before December.
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Never use additives or “heaters” in the septic tank.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regular maintenance is the only way to ensure the long-term success of any onsite wastewater system. This is especially true for complex systems like mounds.
Educational Resources for Homeowners
We believe an informed homeowner is a better customer. Understanding the biology and physics of your septic system helps you spot problems early.
The Penn State Extension offers detailed guides on the science behind mound systems. These resources explain why certain soils require these elevated fields and how the filtration process works.
Your Local Septic Experts
Triple J Services is here to be your partner in home maintenance. Whether you need emergency septic pumping on a freezing Saturday night or a brand-new leach field installation in the spring, we have the tools and the talent.
We pride ourselves on being fast, honest, and reliable. We don’t just fix the symptom; we look for the root cause of your septic problems. If your mound is freezing, we want to help you understand why so it never happens again.
Don’t Let the Cold Stop Your Drains
A frozen septic system is a major headache that can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. Don’t wait until your drains stop moving to think about your mound. A little bit of prevention now can save you a lot of trouble later.
If you are worried about your septic system this winter, or if you are already experiencing slow drains, give us a call. Triple J Services is the septic team Lackawaxen trusts for year-round reliability.
Visit our main website to see our full list of services. From hydro-jetting to French drains, we do it all.
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FAQs from your Septic Experts, Triple J Services
1. What is a septic mound system?
A septic mound system is an elevated leach field used in areas where the natural soil is too shallow, dense, or has a high water table. Unlike traditional systems that sit underground, a mound system uses a pile of specialized sand and gravel built above the natural grade to filter wastewater before it reaches the local groundwater.
2. How does a mound system work?
A mound system works by using an effluent pump to push liquid from the septic tank up into the elevated mound. The wastewater is distributed through a network of perforated pipes. As the liquid trickles down through layers of sand and gravel, it undergoes biological treatment and filtration before entering the natural soil below.
3. Why do septic mounds freeze in the winter?
Mound systems freeze when the distribution pipes lack enough insulation to protect standing water from extreme cold. This usually happens due to a lack of snow cover, compacted snow from foot or vehicle traffic, or a “brown winter” where the air temperature stays below freezing for long periods without a protective thermal layer.
4. How do I prevent my mound system from freezing?
The best way to prevent a mound system from freezing is to allow grass to grow long in the fall to capture snow. You should also spread 8 to 12 inches of loose straw or mulch over the mound before the first deep freeze. Most importantly, keep all people and vehicles off the mound to prevent snow compaction.
5. Can I drive or park on a septic mound?
No, you should never drive, park, or operate heavy machinery on a septic mound. The weight of a vehicle can crush the distribution pipes and compact the specialized sand and soil. Compaction reduces the mound’s ability to filter wastewater and destroys the insulating properties of the snow, leading to system failure or freezing.
6. What are the signs of a failing mound system?
Signs of a failing mound system include soggy or spongy spots on the mound, a persistent smell of sewage in the yard, or wastewater “daylighting” (leaking) from the sides of the mound. Inside the home, slow-moving drains or gurgling pipes often indicate that the mound can no longer absorb liquid.
7. How long does a septic mound system last?
With proper maintenance and routine pumping, a septic mound system typically lasts between 15 and 25 years. Longevity depends on how well the system is protected from traffic, the quality of the original installation, and whether the homeowner avoids flushing harmful chemicals or non-biodegradable items.
8. Is a mound system more expensive than a traditional system?
Yes, mound systems are generally more expensive to install than traditional systems because they require an effluent pump, specialized sand, and significant excavation and grading work. However, for properties in Lackawaxen with poor soil conditions, a mound system is often the only legal and effective way to manage wastewater.
9. Can you fix a frozen mound system with chemicals?
You should never use chemicals, salt, or antifreeze to fix a frozen mound system. These substances can kill the essential bacteria in your septic tank and contaminate the local environment. The only safe way to thaw a frozen system is through professional high-pressure jetting with heated water, which clears ice without damaging pipes.
10. How often should a mound system be inspected?
A septic mound system should be professionally inspected every 1 to 3 years. Because these systems rely on mechanical parts like effluent pumps and float switches, regular checks are necessary to ensure the pump is firing correctly and the mound is absorbing liquid efficiently.
