Do You Need an Effluent Filter for Your Septic System?
Do you need to install an effluent filter in your septic system?
Regardless of where you live, the state, city or even county you live in probably has their own specific requirements for homeowners with septic systems. Although following these requirements can help you to avoid many potential issues that may arise with your septic system, there are other additional steps you can take to protect your system, such as installing an effluent filter.
What is an effluent filter?
Effluent filters are installed inside of septic tanks, and they are designed to replace or enhance exit baffles. All of the wastewater that leaves your tank runs through the effluent filter, which prevents any solids from getting dumped into the drainfield. Your septic system, where it is located and how old it is can affect the cost and time it will take to have an effluent filter installed in your septic tank.
What are the advantages of installing an effluent filter in your septic tank?
As we mentioned above, the entire point of an effluent filter is to prevent solids from being dispelled from your septic tank and causing clogs, as well as all sorts of trouble. However, if you have an older septic tank, there could be another advantage to installing an effluent filter.
Regardless of how well you’ve taken care of your septic system, the exit baffle connection will fall off sooner or later, even if it was made with concrete. Exit baffle connections will typically last 20-30 years, and if you are replacing your exit baffle connection anyway, you may as well replace it with an effluent filter.
Effluent filters are made out of PVC and are connected to the pipe that connects to the tank instead of the tank itself. With this design, there’s no risk of anything falling off or corroding, and you get a permanent solution for your exit baffle connection
What are the disadvantages of installing an effluent filter?
An effluent filter can be a wonderful thing, but you need to make sure that you take proper care of it. It’s not something that you can just install and forget about; you have to keep up on cleaning and maintenance to keep it working properly. If you don’t clean your effluent filter properly, it can lead to your septic tank backing up into your home. It is imperative that you clean and replace effluent filters properly.
Another issue that can arise with effluent filters centers around expectations. Many homeowners install effluent filters in the hopes that they will be a permanent solution to all of their needs. However, if your disposal field is already saturated with Biomat, installing an effluent filter won’t do you much good. Sure, it may prevent the problem from getting worse, but it can’t possibly do anything about the Biomat that already exists.
An effluent filter can be a helpful addition to any septic tank, but it’s important to pair it with other smart septic tank care treatments, like Septic Genie, to make the most out of it. Septic Genie is designed to eat solid waste and Biomat. Regardless of whether you have an effluent filter or not, almost every septic tank could benefit from Septic Genie. Contact us to find out if Septic Genie is right for you.
Do You Know Where Your Septic Tank is Located?
Most homeowners don’t know where their septic tanks and drainfields are located, but it’s an important bit of information to learn.
If you were to ask a typical homeowner where their septic tank was located, you’d probably hear something like, “it’s out in the yard somewhere,” which is not exactly helpful. That is probably because many homeowners don’t give a second thought to their septic systems unless something goes wrong with it. However, knowing where your septic tank is located could come in handy for many reasons.
Why do you need to learn where your septic tank and drainfield is located?
- You’ll be able to watch out for signs of trouble – When it comes to septic tank repairs, being prompt is essential, and oftentimes, the first signs of a septic tank problem will be pooling water around the tank or drainfield. If you don’t know where your septic tank is located, you can’t possibly see this important sign that something is wrong with it. By the time you notice the other signs of the problem, it could cause a lot more damage and be much more expensive to fix.
- You’ll be able to avoid parking or building on top of it – Whether you need extra parking spaces for a big party at your house or you are looking to build a new shed in your yard, it’s essential to know where your septic tank is located. If you crush your septic tank or drainfield by parking or building on top of it, you could end up compromising both its structure and functionality.
- You’ll save time and money when you hire professionals – When you hire professionals for maintenance or repairs, the last thing that you want is to waste their time trying to locate your septic system. This could make septic tank service take a whole lot longer and cost more than it has to.
How do you locate your septic tank?
Now that you know why it’s so important to know where your septic tank is, it’s time to actually find it! If you recently purchased your property, this will be much easier, as your inspection paperwork should include a map with a diagram of the septic tank on your property. You could also ask your county if they have a map. Typically, counties will retain records of septic tank installations for all addresses.
If a map isn’t an option, then you need to locate the sewer line in your yard. Follow the line by inserting a thin probe into the ground next to it every two feet or so. Typically, septic tanks will be located between 10 and 25 feet away from your home. Once the probe strikes something hard and flat, you’ve probably found your sewer tank.
You can also walk around and watch out for signs of your sewer tank, such as low or high spots that are unexplained.
Septic tank care is essential, but if you don’t know where your septic tank is located, you can’t possibly take proper care of it! Take the first step to properly caring for your septic system by locating the tank and contacting Septic Remedies about all of your septic needs.