If you have a modern septic system in Mobile, you likely have an effluent filter located in the outlet baffle of your tank. This simple plastic device is the last line of defense between your tank and your drainfield. Understanding how it works—and how to maintain it—is crucial for the longevity of your entire system.
A septic tank is supposed to separate solids from liquids, but the process is never 100% perfect. Small particles of lint, hair, and undigested food can remain suspended in the water. Without a filter, these particles travel out to your drainfield and slowly plug up the soil. An effluent filter acts as a fine mesh screen, catching anything larger than 1/16th of an inch. It ensures that only relatively clear water reaches your expensive leach field.
When an effluent filter gets dirty, it does exactly what it was designed to do: it stops the flow of water. This might cause your drains to slow down or even a minor backup in your lowest shower. While this is frustrating, it is actually a good thing! It means the filter is protecting your drainfield from a "catastrophic" clog. It is much cheaper to clean a filter than it is to replace a saturated field.
Effluent filters should be pulled and cleaned every 6 to 12 months. This is a task many homeowners choose to leave to the professionals because it involves opening the tank and rinsing the filter with a garden hose. If you do it yourself, always ensure you are spraying the rinse water back into the tank, not onto your lawn. At Mobile Septic Pros, we include a filter cleaning with every maintenance visit.
If your system was built before the late 1990s, it likely doesn’t have a filter. The good news is that we can retro-fit almost any concrete or plastic tank with a modern T-baffle filter. It is the single best investment you can make to extend the life of an aging system.
Don’t wait for a backup to think about your filter. We offer annual maintenance plans that keep your water flowing and your field protected.
BOOK A FILTER SERVICE: (251) 298-8174