Where Is My Septic Tank Filter Located at Home?

It may come as a surprise to you to know that some modern septic tanks are fitted with filters. Why would anyone want a filter on their septic tank? It’s not like we’re drinking from the septic tank, right?

Think of it kind of like an oil filter on your car. The filter catches all the small particles that accumulate in your engine oil and collects them to prevent them from clogging up your engine.

In much the same way, a septic system filter is designed to keep most small particles, or micro solids, retained in the septic tank.

A complete septic system is comprised of two main components: the septic tank, and the leach field. Let’s get into the ins and outs of septic tank filter location and maintenance to give you a better understanding.

How Does My Septic Tank Work?

When you flush, shower, do dishes, or laundry, the first place the water, (and solids), go, is into the septic tank. The septic tank contains a thriving colony of live bacteria that are continuously feeding on the solids that enter from the waste stream. As they feed on the solids, they actually break the solids down into smaller and smaller particles, many of which remain suspended in the liquid in the septic tank.

Why Is a Septic System Filter Important?

The second component of a complete septic system is the leach field. The leach field’s job is to accept the partially treated water that flows from the septic tank and soak it into the dirt under your backyard. This dirt acts as a huge sponge, soaking up the water you flush down, and filtering out all the contaminants.

For the longest life, and the best results, it is best to keep as many solids and micro solids in the septic tank, and out of the leach field. Much like an engine, or a sponge, the pores in the dirt of your leach field can eventually become plugged with micro solids. When this happens, the dirt is no longer able to effectively treat the wastewater and can actually cause ponding or flooding in your backyard.

So, Where Is the Filter on a Septic Tank?

Septic tank filters are located on the outlet of the septic tank. Their function is to trap as many of the suspended solids floating in the waste stream as possible. This protects the long-term functionality of the leach field. Filters should be cleaned every six months to ensure proper service.

Do All Septic Tanks Have a Filter?

Not all septic tanks have a filter, but we highly advise installing one because it significantly increases a tank’s efficiency by preventing solid waste from entering the drain field.

How Do I Clean a Septic Tank Filter?

Most filters are plastic cartridges that can be easily removed and cleaned with a garden hose and reinstalled. This is a simple process for cleaning a septic tank filter that does not take a long time. Shankster Bros. can take care of this for you, as we are your reliable team of septic tank filter cleaners!

Remember that the replacement cost of septic systems continues to rise, sometimes reaching over $20,000. Routine septic tank filter maintenance and septic filter cleaning will go a long way toward keeping your system working optimally for many more years!

Why Does My Septic Tank Filter Keep Clogging?

• Excessive wastewater generation, which causes solids to push against the filter screen
• Improper waste disposal, such as flushing nonbiodegradable items down the toilet
• Lint from laundry sneaking into the septic system, causing clogs
• Water softener discharge introducing additional solids or minerals that contribute to clogging
• Insufficient pumping and maintenance, highlighting the importance of pumping your septic tank more than every 3-5 years

Contact Us for Septic Tank Filter Maintenance

Call Shankster Bros. today to be put on a septic system maintenance schedule to have your filter cleaned regularly, as well as pump the excess solids out of your septic tank.

Reach out at 260-352-2171 to schedule services.