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.