Filter Cleaning

For optimum efficiency it is recommended you have the septic tank pumped im­mediately prior to cleaning the effluent filter. This lowers the water level to the bottom of the tank.

The effluent filter is located in your septic tank just below the manhole cover. In a system with a two-compartment septic tank, the filter would typically be beneath the second manhole cover. In a system with two septic tanks, the filter is typically also beneath the second manhole cover. Manhole covers are typically concrete, and are generally about 24 to 28 inches in diameter.

Have a garden hose brought over to the manhole cover. The first step is to carefully remove the manhole cover. Observe the level in the septic tank. If the water level is below the top of the housing (see filter figure no. I), pull up on the filter handle, removing the filter from the housing (see filter figure no. 2). The normal water level in the septic tank is below the top of the filter housing at the bottom of the outlet pipe (see filter figure no. I). It is important that you do not pull the filter out of its housing if the water level is over the top of the housing. If the water level in the septic tank is above the filter housing, (or above the outlet pipe), it is necessary to pull up on the filter handle very slowly and only in small increments until you hear the water exiting the tank. Leave the filter at that level until the water level drops below the top of the housing. If the water level is above the filter housing, do not pull the entire filter out of the housing until the water level is lower than the top of the filter housing.

Move the filter off to the outside of the housing (still within the manhole riser), and hose off the filter in such a way that all of the hose spray is directed back into the septic tank (see filter figure no. 3). Spray until the filter visually appears clean and free of debris.

After filter appears to be visually clean, align filter over top of housing, and push filter down into housing (see filter figure no. 4) Do NOT push with force into housing. If tank has been pumped and is empty, the filter will generally fall under its own weight into place. If tank had not been pumped, gentle pressure to start the filter into the housing will be needed initially, but again will typically fall into place once it breaks the water surface.

Replace the manhole cover. Lock the manhole cover, securing it properly to prevent access.

If you have any questions , call Herr at 262-968-2550

Frequency of cleaning: The frequency at which an effluent filter should be cleaned is going to vary for every system. It is imperative that if the water level in the septic tank begins to rise above the filter housing, the filter should be cleaned promptly. Once the level in the tank begins to rise above the filter housing, the potential for a backup into the building begins to increase. In a system with only one (one-chamber) septic tank, it is recommended that you check the water level every 30 to 60 days until a pattern is established. A system with a two-compartment tank , or a system with two septic tanks, should be checked at least once every six months (in some instances every four to five months) until a frequency is established.