A septic installation in Chappaqua, NY, home can not only reduce the overall environmental impact of your property but also improves its value. That said, without proper maintenance, a septic system can require extensive repair and even need replacement over time. Effluent filters are an excellent preventative measure that can ensure your septic system works efficiently while keeping it cost-effective.

What Is an Effluent Filter?

Effluent filters are installed at the outlet pipe of your septic system’s tank and ensure that solids do not make their way into the drain field (or leach field). Some variants can be installed within the outlet pipe while others come installed within a pipe housing and can be directly attached to the outlet pipe. As effluent flows out, the filter acts as a sieve and removes all the solids from the water that can be hazardous if allowed into the drainfield.

Why Is a Filter Necessary?

To understand why an effluent filter is necessary, you need to first be aware of the two important components of a septic system. The septic tank is the first major component and holds all the solid waste contained in the wastewater from your property. Bacteria in the tank breaks the waste down over time, making the contents safe for assimilation into the environment. The contents can then be pumped out as effluent into the drain field. The drain field is a stretch of perforated underground pipes that allow the effluent to slowly and safely infiltrate into the soil.

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Due to a variety of factors such as a septic system’s improper maintenance and overuse, untreated solids can sometimes be forced out of the tank as a part of the effluent. The untreated solids are dangerous for the environment, as they contain bacteria and chemicals that can poison the leach field and even the groundwater. Moreover, the solid particles can also clog up the perforations in the pipes, reducing the rate at which water infiltrates into the soil. This can radically reduce the efficiency of your system and even cause effluent to back up into the tank if not remedied quickly. An effluent filter provides a cost-effective way to filter out these solids while ensuring that your drain field functions perfectly.

How Do I Choose an Effluent Filter?

Choosing the right effluent filter is highly dependent on the type of septic system installed and the amount of effluent flowing through it. Choosing a filter that is too small can be quite detrimental, by reducing the outflow rate of effluent and potentially causing a backup. Your contractor who installs the septic system will determine the right type and size of filter for your particular system.

Related: 5 Ways To Prevent Septic System Replacement

Does This Mean No More Maintenance?

An effluent filter is a preventative measure that saves you from the significant cost of repairing and even replacing a drain field. However, the filter should be annually inspected and replaced if it is excessively dirty. The state of the filter also provides a good measure of how well your septic system is working. A filter that is clogged up after a short period of time suggests your tank is not coping with the wastewater output from your home, and you may need to reduce your water usage or invest in a larger septic tank.