How To Clean The Filter From A Septic Tank

Cleaning the effluent filter is one of the few times a homeowner may come into contact with the inner workings of their septic system. While the procedure may be intimidating or confusing, the right data tin ensure yous proceed your system working efficiently and avoid costly repairs. Mike Devine, possessor of Devine Septic, answers mutual questions about septic filters and how to make clean them.

What is a septic tank filter?

Most septic tanks installed in the final few decades accept filters, technically known as effluent filters or tank outlet filters. Positioned in the outlet of the septic tank, this filter helps prevent solid waste from getting into the leach field, potentially contaminating treated wastewater.

Do I demand a septic tank filter?

Information technology depends what kind of system you have and when it was made. While most modern systems have filters, the last generation was designed without this innovation. So your parents may non have had to clean the filter on their septic system because it might non accept had i.

Do I need to make clean my septic tank filter?

If your organisation has a filter, information technology was designed to keep near of the solids out of the field and allow the effluent through. While non perfect, the filter does reduce the risk of clogs. And it can only work properly when it is clean. Sometimes the responsibility comes as a surprise to new homeowners. But if your organization has a filter, it needs to be cleaned. "If Mike hadn't told me virtually it I would have no idea," admits Devine customer Beth Thomas whose family moved into a home with a septic organisation several years ago.

How exercise I find my septic tank filter to make clean it?

Most septic systems installed since the turn of the century have filters. These systems about probable include between one and 3 covers that are level with the surface of the basis. If there is 1 cover you tin can admission, that's the encompass with the filter. If there are several covers you can access, have someone flush the toilet. In the newest systems, when yous lift the cover(s) yous should observe PVC pipe(s). (You may encounter a second cover when you open your tank. If this is the case, try to remove the 2d cover as well.)

When you flush the toilet, wherever you meet the h2o coming into the tank first, this is the inlet side of the tank. This is NOT the pipe where the filter is located. It should be located in the outlet pipe of the tank. The pipe you lot tin can await through has no filter. The i you can't encounter all the fashion through because there'south something inside…that's the filter in there. The handle might be ruby, blue, yellow or gray.

What is a septic tank filter and where is it located? — *PVC Piping where the filter is housed.*

How do I make clean my septic filter?

First, remove the filter. Reach down, catch it and pull information technology out.
Then spray the filter with a garden hose. Y'all need to be able to run across through it when yous're done cleaning . If yous don't clean it entirely, you defeat the purpose.
Finally, supersede the filter. Some of them have certain ways to go dorsum in. For instance, If yours has an arrow pointing at the top and it says "outlet this manner," you accept to bespeak the arrow in the aforementioned direction when yous replace information technology.

What happens if I don't clean my septic filter?

Maybe nothing. Only maybe a lot. If you take a septic tank filter, and you become your system pumped we volition clean it during servicing. So depending on when information technology was last pumped and how much use your system regularly gets, you lot may not necessarily demand to make clean it right away.

However, if your filter does get clogged, eventually everything backs up. So you could run a load of laundry, and have sewage coming out of the overflow. While the brusque term inconvenience and mess of such an outcome may seem daunting in and of itself, the greater risk lies in solid waste matter backing up into the pipes and remaining even after the filter and the tank are cleaned. These obstructions tin clog your drains and require professional help to remove.

How ofttimes should I clean my septic filter?

how often should you clean your septic filter

You lot should clean your filter every three to twelve months, depending on how many people live in your firm. See the chart above for reference.. Cleaning your filter is just i part of regular septic maintenance that can assist extend the life of your system.