What is a Basket Filter?
It’s probably reasonable to say most people don’t know what components go into your septic tank. Words like baffles and basket filters aren’t going to mean much without some perspective. We clean basket filters in Eugene, OR, as an important part of regular septic tank maintenance.
Your basket filter sits at the output of your tank to the drain field and acts as a guard against solid matter exiting along with fluids. Without it, blockages would quickly form across your drain field and cause it to fail. Soil that can’t adequately absorb fluids leads to major problems.
Flushables That Can Damage Your Filter
Septic tanks are tough, but when we clean basket filters in Eugene, certain objects that appear often can do real, lasting damage. Here are some objects to avoid flushing into your septic system if you want your filters to last as long as possible.
- Paper towels: Paper towels are a lot tougher than toilet paper. They get stronger when wet and can break into large fibers that can clog up filters and cause blockages.
- Flushable wipes: Similarly, supposedly flushable wipes are horrible for septic tanks. They hold their form for a long period of time and can block up your filters very quickly after being flushed.
- Food and grease: Grease may go down as a fluid, but as it cools down in your septic tank it congeals into large clumps that can quickly. Food particles behave similarly.
- Hair and floss: Hair and floss seem like they wouldn’t be a big deal, but both are extremely durable in septic tanks and quickly form clumps and knots that pick up other material.
- Hygiene products: Products like pads and tampons are engineered to soak up as much moisture as possible, and when they get flushed they do just that. As they expand they become major blocking factors that we see very often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did septic tanks always have basket filters?
No. Basket filters were actually added to septic tanks later on. Before, septic tanks would allow solids to naturally settle at the bottom of the tank while fluids passed through the outlet. However, smaller things like hair and other finer particles still moved on into the drain field. As these particles pile up, the drain field would slowly fail. This was considered to be a natural process at the time.
How often does my basket filter need to be cleaned?
It’s a good idea to clean your basket filter regularly, about every 6 to 12 months. As time goes on, a full replacement every 2 to 5 years can help avoid major filter failures. If you’re getting your tank pumped for any reason, get your filter inspected at the same time.
Can I use any kind of additives to keep my filter clean?
You should still always rely on a professional to clean your basket filter in Eugene. You can’t rely on additives to do the same kind of work a technician can. In some cases, chemicals that are marketed as helpful for your filter can actually throw off bacteria levels in your septic tank.
Is adding a basket filter to an older septic tank a good idea?
Definitely. Basket filters are very cost-effective additions to tanks without them. If you have an older septic tank and would like to add a helpful layer of defense into the system, see if your septic company can add one during the next pump.
