Septic systems may be one topic you have no interest in researching; however, knowing how to maintain a septic system is knowledge every homeowner should have. Read below to discover some necessary, interesting, and fun facts about effluent filters that will help you better care for your home’s septic system.
What is Effluent?
To know what effluent is, you need to know what your septic system does. A septic tank is the holding place for used water that is leaving a home or building. The job of the septic tank is to process the water so that solids in the water fall to the bottom of the tank and oils, grease, and less dense materials float at the top of the tank. This leaves only liquid to leave the septic tank from the tank outlet and enter the drainfield. Effluent refers to the water exiting the septic tank.
Ideally, effluent will be free from solid particles as sludge falls to the bottom of the septic tank and scum floats at the top. Sometimes, however, solids will escape with effluent. When that happens, the debris can build up in the tank outlet or the drainfield, causing costly damage and even posing a health risk to nearby animals and people. That is where an effluent filter comes in handy.
What is an Effluent or Tank Outlet Filter?
How Often Should You Clean Your Septic Filter?
As an effluent filter serves its purpose, it will become clogged with debris. Effluent filter clogging is noticeable inside your house if your drains begin to drain slowly, or if you hear gurgling sounds during draining. These are indicators that your filter needs to be cleaned. Cleaning the effluent filter is something that your technician will do during regular maintenance. As long as you have annual visits scheduled, your filter should be sufficiently maintained.
Now...5 Fun Facts About Effluent Filters
1. You don’t have to clean your effluent filter.
Instead, ask your technician to do it for you when he pumps your tank (provided you are scheduling regular, yearly visits).
2. There is no need to install your own tank outlet filter.
Just call your septic cleaning company. They should have what you need on hand and can install it for you.
3. Clogged effluent filters cause clogged toilets.
Your clogged toilet may actually be due to a clogged effluent filter and not because you decided against that mid-session flush.
4. Some old septic systems do not have filters.
If you have an older septic tank, there may not be a filter. However, in most cases, you can and probably will want to install one.
5. Water treatment equipment can cause your filter to clog faster than normal.
If you use a water softener or another type of treatment, you should consider recycling your greywater rather than sending it through your septic system.
Norway Septic Inc. is a service-oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners and business owners in the Michiana area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind. If you need a new effluent filter or if you would like to schedule a septic tank cleaning by one of our professionals, call us today.
