An effluent filter is one of the least expensive components in your septic system â and one of the most important for protecting your drain field from premature failure.
An effluent filter is a cylindrical screen installed in the outlet baffle of your septic tank. It catches suspended solids before liquid effluent flows out to the drain field. Without a filter, small particles of sludge and scum can escape the tank and clog the drain field soil.
The #1 cause of drain field failure is tank solids escaping into the field. An effluent filter provides an extra layer of protection, typically catching particles larger than 1/16 to 1/8 inch.
No. Many older systems were installed without effluent filters. If yours doesn't have one, ask your pump technician to install one during your next service visit.
Use our free calculator to get the right tank size for your home in under 2 minutes.
Use the Free Calculator →Clean your effluent filter every time the tank is pumped â typically every 3â5 years. If you use your system heavily or notice slow drains, check it sooner.
Yes. A severely clogged filter restricts effluent flow and can cause slow drains and backups similar to a full tank. It's the first thing to check if you have drainage problems and the tank was recently pumped.
Many systems installed after the 1990s include one, but not all. A septic technician can check the outlet baffle during pumping. If you don't have one, adding one is inexpensive and highly recommended.
Filter sizing depends on your tank outlet diameter, typically 4 or 6 inches. Your pump technician can confirm the right size.