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 Tank Filter is designed to keep most small particles, or micro solids, retained in the septic tank.

A complete septic system is comprised of 2 main components: the Septic Tank, and the Leach Field.

Septic Tank

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.

Leach Field

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.

Hence the Home Septic Tank Filter for Cleaning and Maintenance

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.

Most filters are a plastic cartridge that can be easily removed and cleaned with a garden hose and re-installed. Call Shankster Bros today to be put on a septic system maintenance schedule to have your filter cleaned regularly, as well as pumping the excess solids out of your septic tank.

Remember…the replacement cost of septic systems continues to rise, sometimes reaching over $20,000.00!

Routine maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your system working well for many more years!

Don’t hesitate to call Shankster Bros at (260)-982-7111 any time to schedule services.