This article will cover what role a septic tank baffle plays in raised mound systems. There are times when being different or unconventional is needed to get things moving. A boring occupation needs a career change. A pair of baggy, outdated pants needs a makeover. A property with soil that filters too quickly or too slowly needs a raised mound system. A raised mound system is an unconventional method of treating wastewater. It can be installed for a home or a business establishment if the septic expert decides that the soil needs some help in filtration. That is why it is elevated above the ground. It needs to make room for filters that help get the job done. Just like the regular septic system, the raised mound has a tank. It also has a soil absorption system. The raised mound’s tank has septic baffles that serve a special purpose in wastewater treatment.
The raised mound system has inlet and outlet baffles that make wastewater treatment a lot more efficient. Aside from the anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, baffles also help filter out or filter in the solid wastes. The inlet pipe has the inlet baffle that directs the wastewater downwards to make sure that the wastewater does not flow back up to the home or building again. Then, the anaerobic bacteria take action. The inlet baffle makes sure that the wastewater does not surge back into the home or building during heavy rains. It also keeps the solid waste particles from building up in the layer of scum. With the help of the inlet baffle, the wastewater is kept from overflowing beyond the outlet baffle. The raised mound tank collects the wastewater and lets the clear layer flow out into the outflow pipe, which is lower than the inlet pipe. The outflow baffle makes sure that solid waste particles stay in the tank. This is a critical function because the soil absorption area should not be blocked at all. If this happens, the entire raised mound system will fail. Baffles are filters that are pretty much like screen meshes or bristles. They catch the solid wastes and keep them contained as the wastewater treatment goes on. The baffles also accommodate bacteria so that the solid waste particles left on them will be degraded and cleared. The bacteria here also help in treating the effluent that enters and exits the tank.
When the raised mound tank experiences a high volume of liquid, the baffles still do their best to treat the wastewater. During this event, the wastewater layer that has the scum overflows beyond the baffle. This allows some of the solid waste particles to escape into the soil absorption area. Since the baffles are installed, the wastewater still passes through them, treating the wastewater with the bacteria present in their mesh or bristles. This is of great help to the anaerobic and aerobic bacteria that do most of the work.
As a raised mound owner, you should make sure that you spot any sign that might indicate a malfunction in your baffles. Ask your septic expert to perform an inspection of your raised mound. Your baffles may already need replacing if you have leaks in your raised mound area. The leaks could easily backup into your home or building and flood your yard. Check for foul septic odors as well. This is a sign that wastewater is already backing up or your raised mound system is already failing. The baffles might have already been lost, that is why the soil absorption field is malfunctioning. The raised mound should be pumped out first to really see what’s going on. Once the baffles are assessed and replaced, everything will be better.
You should definitely know what the role a septic baffle plays in raised mound systems. It is part of being a responsible raised mound owner. Work with your septic expert so that you won’t have to worry all the time. Caring for your raised mound takes extra effort but you will reap great results every time.