If you live in Lackawaxen or anywhere in the Pocono Mountains, you have likely seen them. You might even have one in your own front yard. Those long, raised grassy humps that look like an oversized garden bed are a staple of the Pennsylvania landscape. Locally, they are affectionately (or sometimes frustratingly) called “Turkey Mounds.”
Technically known as elevated sand mounds, these structures are not just a creative landscaping choice. They are a sophisticated engineering response to the unique geological challenges of our region. At Triple J Services, we specialize in the installation and repair of these systems. We understand that while they might be an eyesore to some, they are the heartbeat of a healthy, functional home in the Poconos.
The Problem Beneath Your Feet: Pocono Soil
To understand why we build up, we have to look down. The Pocono Mountains are famous for their beauty, but they are notorious for their poor soil quality when it comes to wastewater treatment.
A traditional septic system relies on a deep layer of permeable soil. In a standard setup, wastewater flows from the tank into a leach field buried several feet underground. The soil then acts as a natural filter, cleaning the water before it reaches the groundwater.
However, much of the soil in Lackawaxen and the surrounding areas fails to meet the requirements for these “in-ground” systems. We face three primary obstacles:
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High Water Tables: In many parts of Pike County, the groundwater is very close to the surface. If you put a leach field underground here, the untreated sewage would mix directly with the water table almost immediately.
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Bedrock Proximity: Our region sits on a lot of solid rock. You often cannot dig deep enough to install a traditional drain field without hitting a ledge.
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Slow Percolation: Much of our soil is heavy with clay or is extremely compacted. Water simply doesn’t move through it fast enough to be treated effectively.
How a Turkey Mound Solves the Problem
An elevated sand mound—the Turkey Mound—literally raises the drainage area above the problematic natural soil. By bringing in specific types of sand and aggregate, we create an artificial “treatment zone” above the ground.
When your waste leaves the septic tank, it doesn’t just flow by gravity into the ground. Instead, it is usually moved by an effluent pump into the mound. The water is then distributed through a series of pipes into the layer of sand. As the water trickles down through the mound, bacteria in the sand break down the waste. By the time the water finally reaches the original natural soil, it has already been thoroughly pre-filtered.
Anatomy of a Healthy Turkey Mound
A Turkey Mound is more than just a pile of dirt. It is a carefully layered system that requires precision during installation.
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The Sand Layer: This is the most critical part. It must be a specific type of washed sand that allows for the perfect balance of drainage and bacterial growth.
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The Aggregate Bed: Above the sand sits a layer of crushed stone or gravel. This is where the perforated distribution pipes live.
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Geotextile Fabric: This layer covers the stone to prevent the topsoil from clogging the gravel bed over time.
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Topsoil and Grass: The final layer is for protection and aesthetics. Grass is essential because it prevents erosion and helps absorb some of the moisture through evaporation and transpiration.
Why Maintenance is Non-Negotiable
Because Turkey Mounds are elevated, they are more exposed to the elements than traditional systems. They are also more complex. While a standard leach field relies purely on gravity, a Turkey Mound relies on mechanical components like effluent pumps and float switches.
If your effluent pump fails, the water stays in the tank. If the sand becomes “biogelled” or clogged due to poor maintenance, the water will begin to leak out the sides of the mound. This is why Septic System Inspections are so important for Pocono homeowners. Catching a pump issue early can save you from a total mound failure, which is a significantly more expensive fix.
The Role of the Effluent Pump
In most Turkey Mounds, you will find a secondary tank called a pump chamber. This chamber houses the effluent pump. Since the mound is higher than the house and the primary tank, gravity won’t do the work for us.
The pump waits until the liquid reaches a certain level and then “doses” the mound with a specific volume of water. This ensures the mound doesn’t get overwhelmed and has time to “breathe” between cycles. If you hear an alarm going off near your septic system, it is likely the high-water alarm for this pump. At Triple J Services, we provide expert Effluent Pump Service & Replacement to keep your mound from flooding.
Common Issues with Poconos Turkey Mounds
Living with a Turkey Mound means keeping an eye out for specific red flags. Because the system is above ground, the signs of failure are often visible if you know where to look.
1. Seeping or “Breakouts”
If you see wet, soggy spots or dark, foul-smelling water trickling out of the base of your mound, you have a “breakout.” This usually means the sand layer is clogged or the system is being overloaded with more water than it can handle.
2. Spongy Surface
Walking on your mound should feel like walking on a firm lawn. If it feels like you are walking on a sponge or a waterbed, there is too much liquid trapped inside the mound. This often indicates a drainage problem within the aggregate bed.
3. Lush, Overgrown Grass
While we want grass to grow, a specific patch of incredibly vibrant, fast-growing green grass on one part of the mound can indicate a leak. The sewage acts as a fertilizer, signaling that the water is not being distributed evenly.
4. Gurgling Pipes
If your indoor drains are gurgling or slow, and you have a Turkey Mound, it may not be a simple clog. It could be that the pump is not moving water to the mound fast enough, causing the entire system to back up into the house.
How Triple J Services Can Help
Installing and repairing these systems requires heavy equipment and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s DEP regulations. At Triple J Services, we have the tools and the local experience to handle every aspect of your Turkey Mound.
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System Installation & Replacement: We handle the excavation, the sand hauling, and the final grading to ensure your new mound is built to last.
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High-Pressure Drain Jetting (Hydro-Jetting): If the pipes inside your mound are clogged with sludge or roots, our Hydro-Jetting service can clear them out without having to dig up the entire structure.
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Grinder Pump & Effluent Pump Repair: We fix the mechanical “heart” of your system so the water keeps moving.
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French Drains & Drainage Solutions: Sometimes, the biggest threat to a Turkey Mound is exterior rainwater. We install drainage systems to move runoff away from your mound, preventing it from becoming saturated.
The Cost of Ignoring Your Mound
Replacing a Turkey Mound is one of the most significant expenses a homeowner in Lackawaxen can face. Because they require specialized sand and intensive labor, the costs add up quickly.
Preventive maintenance is the only way to avoid these high costs. Regular pumping (every 2-3 years) prevents solids from entering the pump chamber and the mound itself. Once solids get into the sand layer of a Turkey Mound, the damage is often permanent. You cannot easily “clean” sand once it is clogged with grease and waste; you usually have to replace the entire mound.
Understanding the Landscape: Why We Are Here
Triple J Services is located right in Lackawaxen, PA. We aren’t a giant, faceless corporation. We are your neighbors who understand that a septic backup on a holiday weekend is a true emergency. We invite you to learn more about usand our commitment to keeping Pike County’s water clean and our neighbors’ yards dry.
We use modern Excavation & Utility Trenching techniques to minimize the impact on your property. Whether you are building a new home and need a Turkey Mound designed or you are dealing with a failing system that needs immediate attention, we have the local expertise you can trust.
A Note on “Turkey Mound” Aesthetics
Many people ask if they can hide their mound. While it is tempting to plant trees or shrubs on the mound to disguise it, this is a recipe for disaster. Roots will quickly find their way into the distribution pipes and destroy the system.
The best way to “hide” a mound is with a well-maintained lawn and perhaps some ornamental grasses around the base(never on top). Keeping it clear of woody plants and heavy objects is essential for its longevity. Never drive a vehicle, even a riding lawnmower, over the mound if the ground is soft, as this can compact the sand and crush the pipes.
Environmental Stewardship in the Poconos
Our region is home to some of the most beautiful waterways in the country. A properly functioning Turkey Mound is a critical line of defense for our environment. By treating wastewater effectively, these mounds prevent nitrogen and harmful bacteria from reaching our local streams and the Delaware River.
When you maintain your septic system, you aren’t just protecting your property value; you are protecting the natural beauty of the Poconos for the next generation. For more information on why septic maintenance matters for the environment, you can check out resources from EPA’s SepticSmart program.
Article Recap: The Turkey Mound Essentials
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Why They Exist: They overcome poor soil, high water tables, and bedrock in the Poconos.
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How They Work: They treat wastewater in an artificial sand bed elevated above the natural ground.
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The Pump is Key: Most mounds require an effluent pump to move water up from the tank.
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Warning Signs: Look for soggy spots, foul smells, or high-water alarms.
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Maintenance is Critical: Regular pumping and inspections prevent the sand from clogging permanently.
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Triple J Services: Your local Lackawaxen experts for installation, pump repair, and hydro-jetting.
Is your Turkey Mound showing signs of trouble? Contact Triple J Services today for an inspection or expert septic repair!
