How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
Service frequency of the effluent filter is based on each household’s wastewater generation habits. Some households may be able to go three years between service events and some might be monthly. It will be trial and error for the individual property owners to see what works for them.


Effluent filter alarms are available for people who are interested in that extra degree of security for that “just in case” event of sewage backing up into the basement when the effluent filter is clogged. A clogged filter will restrict the amount of wastewater leaving the septic tank, which causes the wastewater level to rise in the septic tank.


When the wastewater level rises above its normal flow level it will begin to back up into the piping network coming from the structure.

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a sanitary permit for a POWTS?
2. How do I get a sanitary permit?
3. My septic system is not working anymore. How do I get it replaced with another septic system that works?
4. Does it matter if I do all my laundry in one day?
5. How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?
6. Why do I need a sanitary permit?
7. How long is a sanitary permit good for?
8. I have heard of County sanitary permits – When are these issued?
9. Do mound systems really work?
10. Can anybody install a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)?
11. Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?
12. How often should I pump my treatment tank(s)?
13. Are two-chamber or multi-chamber septic tanks better for your POWTS than single chamber tanks?
14. Does having a two-chamber septic tank help to reduce the maintenance frequency of my effluent filter?
15. How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
16. Is there financial assistance available for property owners whose POWTS has failed and needs to be replaced?
17. I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
18. How are Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) sized?
19. I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?
20. I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?