How to Clean Septic Tank Filter? | A Step by Step Guide

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Taking care of the septic tank includes cleaning the filter too. The filter is typically situated in the outlet pipe to make sure that no solid waste is going to the drain field. It captures the solid waste that is likely to move towards the drain field with water. As a result, it gets clogged sometimes.

When the filter gets clogged, you should clean it and make sure that no solid waste is there. Otherwise, water can’t go to the drain field fluently and the tank gets full quickly. It results in frequent overflowing and pumping.

To get rid of this, you need to check and clean the filter regularly. So, let’s talk about the way to clean the septic tank filter.

How to Clean Septic Tank Filter

To clean the septic tank filter, you’ll have to arrange a few things. Below are those.

A pair of gloves
Strong garden hose or any other source of water with a strong flow
Full-length dress
Safety goggles
Torchlight

After arranging everything, follow the steps below.

Step 1- Wear the Dress

Wear a full-length dress to make sure that no part of your body is open. This helps you to protect your skin from dirt. Wear gloves and goggles. Now you’re ready to do this.

Step 2- Find out the Filter

Now you have to find out the filter. For this, at first, reach to the lid.

If the lid is above the ground, you can easily find it. If it is not, you’ll have to locate the tank, dig the ground, and get access to the lid.

Depending on the model, septic tanks have one to three lids. If there is only one lid, you’ll find the filter there easily. If there are multiple lids, it would be a bit complex. But there is an easy way.

Open a lid and ask someone to flush the toilet. If you see that water is coming in the way, this is not the one with a filter. The filter is situated near the outlet pipe through which the water moves towards the drain field. In this case, check the opposite lid.

On the other hand, if the water doesn’t come this way, this should be the one you’re looking for.

Step 3- Remove the Filter

After finding out the filter, check how it is installed. Use a torchlight if necessary.

Remove it carefully. Don’t bring and keep it out. If possible, open the inlet lid and take the filter there. Doing this is a good idea because the accumulated waste would get back to the tank again.

Step 4- Clean the Filter

Now take the garden hose and spray water on the filter to make it clean.

While doing it, make sure that the filter is placed inside the tank. Otherwise, waste and dirty water would spread around. Also, stay safe from the splash that comes back to you.

Clean the filter properly so that there is no waste remaining. When the filter is totally clear, you’ll be able to see through it. Make sure that it has reached that condition.

Step 5- Install It Again

After the filter is cleaned properly, it is time to install the filter again. You’ve seen how it was installed there. Carefully install it again there. Make sure that it has sat there properly.

Then close the lids.

Step 6- Clean Yourself

Get rid of the gloves and change your clothes. Also, if possible, take a shower. Otherwise, sanitize and wash your hands properly and make sure no dirt is there.

In case any dirt spreads around, take necessary steps to remove those so that they can’t spread any disease. You can use water to drive those towards the tank before closing the lids.

Related Article: How to Get Rid of Septic Tank Odor Outside

Alternative Way

Cleaning your septic tank filter is not that tough. But the process is a bit long and it needs you to be careful every moment.

If you don’t want to go through the process, you can call for our service. Our professional would do this for you without making any issue. Our charge for cleaning the septic tank filter is very reasonable. So, call us right away.