septic field frozen

[MossRoad]

I'd wonder too how 4' of cover would protect from 6' of frost. Even with hay bales over it. If I had 6' frost lines I'd want 8' of cover just to be safe. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more aggravating than sewage problems in winter. Hope you find a solution.

 

[Looking4new]

In normal soil, frost has to overcome the typical ground temperature as it works downward. You don't have that reservoir of ground temperature in the mound really, at least not the same as native settled soil. So I bet the mount has a significantly less frost resistance than the ground. If you have a 6' frost line in regular soil, I don't see how a 4' mound of sand/stone has a chance, even with bales of hay on top. Maybe there is a better way to insulate the mound from air temperature above so that it can trap/hold some ground temperature, but I have my doubts.

I too was wondering that. Mine has been working flawlessly for the 21 years I have been here. No pump, the 'stuff' just runs out into the tank and then to the drain field. I get my tank pumped every two years. In fact this year is THE year to get it pumped.
Where I grew up/older the septic system was in the ground and that got pumped once in 17 years.

 

[PILOON]

I have a pump style installation as house being near waterfront leaves no choice but to pump uphill to the drainage field.
We actually pump about a 16ft rise.
Naturally a check valve is needed otherwise the backflow could actually un screw the pump impeller blade.
We actually drill a 1/4" hole in the flap of the valve to create a slow release or emptying of the line which in turn prevents freezing as due to terrain is a mere 10-12" deep.
The drainage field is conventional with a mere 12" of topsoil coverage.
That installation has operated faithfully for over 20 years except for one pump failure.

 

[v8only]

Do you think if i excavate the mound and install rigid insulation above my lines and 4' away in either direction it will help or hurt me? What about running the heat tape in the lines like i suggested?

 

[PILOON]

Hah, had one system (conventional) that got its first pumping at 22 years of usage.
The tanker guy claimed that it looked like a normal 2-3 year since last pumping.
The big joke is that it was hand dug, hand poured and mixed concrete on site with hemlock planks as the cover.

Nowdays by city ordnance it must be pumped every 2 years or a fine gets levied.

 

[doxford jim]

Just a thought on your septic mound system.
I had a new one installed which failed completely inside of six months. It was replaced by the contractor at his cost, and what I initially wanted, a lagoon system, was installed. The new system has operated problem free for eight years now.
I think your problem might be that water or liquid waste remains in the pump discharge line and gets frozen. I know on my mound system, that the pump discharge pipes had drain holes in front of the pump outlet to allow the discharge pipe to drain after the pump shut off.
The failure of mu mount system was due to the completely inadequate construction - from risers leaking ground water into the holding tank, incorrect construction of the mound piping etc. The diffuser pipes are supposed to have sprayer guards to prevent water cutting holes through the sand beds causing preferential water pathways.
I am probably not very clear on what I had, but I think you might need to look into the pump discharge pipes freeing from static water in them. The water needs to drain back into the pump chamber after the pumps has stopped, to drain the lines (should be a positive slope upwards to allow water to drain back and out of the pipework).
My system was a total cock up from day one - I hope yours is better constructed.
PM me if you want further info. I have five or six local newspaper stories that I would be willing to share of you are interested.

 

[PILOON]

Do you think if i excavate the mound and install rigid insulation above my lines and 4' away in either direction it will help or hurt me? What about running the heat tape in the lines like i suggested?

Honestly I suspect you want to analyze your usage habits or routines.

In all probability your installer has a certification of some kind otherwise the city would not have issued a permit.
Before you go wild with theories and solutions have a serous talk with him as for sure he wants to protect his reputation.

While retired now, I have been to go to guy for 75 property owners all which are on septic systems.
In our earlier days we were fortunate enough to have had many government experts provide us with valuable advice for us pioneering builders.
The speakers were the main attraction of our AGM's, that as well as a wine and cheese event.
As indicated I have seen all kinds and styles of septic solutions and quite honestly some newer ones simply amaze me.

I am starting to suspect we are seeing a "better mouse trap syndrome". Next will be a computer controlled field. (One approved system actually includes circulation pumps and individual monitors for each field pipe run)
10 years ago a good installation was in the $3K range but today expect to spend upwards of $10K (know of one that hit $18K)

 

[doxford jim]

I am starting to suspect we are seeing a "better mouse trap syndrome". Next will be a computer controlled field. (One approved system actually includes circulation pumps and individual monitors for each field pipe run)
10 years ago a good installation was in the $3K range but today expect to spend upwards of $10K (know of one that hit $18K)

Piloon,

Your septic work is cheap compared to what they now charge in BC. My non operable system cost me close to $25,000 - which is a lot of money to a pensioner like myself. Needless to say, I went to court and won over the heap of sh*t I had :cool2:

I think the OP needs to get the regulating body involved as he should not have problems with a new system. My advice would be to start with questioning construction and design.

 

[tjcarguy]

What's a RM If them and the contractor say that it's a good system they may both be full of it. Just wanted to check in because we've lived in the country 40 years our friends and relatives live in the country never had to replace an old system. Our present house system is 70 years old --- Trevor

 

[doxford jim]

I think RM is the Regional Municipality or local Health Department.
A new properly designed system should not freeze in use. Something is very wrong both in the design and the construction.