Septic systems are designed to carefully collect and distribute effluent for filtration, giving people the chance to live away from city sewer grids while enjoying quality plumbing. However, to keep septic systems operating properly, certain maintenance tasks need to be performed, such as cleaning the effluent filters. Here is a little more information about these components and how to take care of them during routine septic inspections. 

What Is an Effluent Filter? 

When sewage enters your septic tank, solids sink to the bottom, wastewater sits in the middle, and oil and fats float to the top. Effluent, also called wastewater, is designed to move through a pipe in the side of the septic tank, making its way towards the drainage field, where the water can be filtered. 

The role of an effluent screen is to filter solids and fats out of the water that moves through the effluent pipe, keeping those materials out of your drainage field. If they move into the field, they could clog the filtration, creating marshy soil or even backups. 

How Can You Maintain an Effluent Filter? 

Effluent filters should be checked and cleaned during routine septic inspections and maintenance. Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years, so schedule this routine maintenance if you haven’t already. 

While cleaning your effluent screen is a job cut out for a professional, in some instances, you may need to clean your screen in between routine septic inspections. Before you clean your effluent filter, it is a good idea to wear protective equipment, like rubber gloves and a respirator, since sewage carries bacteria and emits toxic sewer gas. 

Your septic tank should have two manhole covers on either end. While one end contains an opening for pumping, the other contains the septic alarm and the effluent filter. The effluent filter is like a cylinder, so remove it carefully from its casing. Effluent filter can be cleaned by spraying the filter off with water from a garden hose. Clean the screen over the screen casing to allow the sewage to fall back into the tank. 

Anytime your system is due for a septic inspection or cleaning, turn to Downs Drain & Septic Service in Peninsula, OH. For more than 52 years, these professionals have been committed to helping families to enjoy reliable indoor plumbing through the proper septic tank installation and maintenance. To find out more about how they can help you, visit their website or give their office a call at (330) 929-5555.