Septic system filter plugs often

[PILOON]

In septic tanks all the solids (slush, mush) should remain in the first 'baffled' section.
For that reason the pumper truck usually only attacks that area, and in fact the second half actually flows back to the first so they actually get all the 'suspended mud' out.
Current approved practices usually call for returning the liquids back to the tank so that there remains active bacteria for effective operation.
They then haul the solids to an approved disposal site.
I've been told that a tanker can generally handle 10 pumpings per trip in this approved method.*

While I accept this practice I do like to let my tank settle for 24 hours B4 any heavy water usage (washings, baths etc) to prevent any suspended particles from entering my drainage field.

* and since we are rural our annual 'pumping campaign' saves us and the pumper good saved $$'s that has kept our fee to $160, for the last 6 years.
It is one of our most appreciated association events. We do it all via our web site and only with prepaid checks. Our 'pumper' also does all the paperwork for municipal compliance as well. A true 'win-win'.

 

[seville009]

Fine organic matter can pass out of any septic tank. These fines are what can plug the gravel in a drain field. The filter stops these fines. I check my filter every six months. There is VERY LITTLE organic material on the filter.

Think about this - if it were just plain liquid passing to the drain field - - the drain field would NEVER need replacement. It's NOT just plain liquid. This liquid contains organic matter. This organic matter forms into mat growth in the gravel and will, over time, plug the gravel.

Thanks....makes sense, but I wonder if it痴 a regional thing (I知 in the northeast). My septic system is 30 years old; no filter snd never had an issue. Had to replace a collapsed line from the tank to the leach field last summer - septic contractor said the junction box and leach field were in good shape.

 

[oosik]

A properly sized and maintained septic system can, theoretically, last forever. I've inspected systems that were 40+ years old and still working fine. It has a whole lot to do with - initial design & installation practices and then, proper maintenance. Likewise - I designed systems, inspected their installation and 15 years later, upon reevaluation for sale of the house, they were working fine. It has a lot to do with that old saying - "Out of sight - out of mind".

 

[user.69169]

Seem like good idea would be grab sample of de material plugging filter and figure out what it is.

Few mason jars and some water, maybe coffee filters.

Already know it something floats, so probably not from solids going into tank.

Been hearing lot about micro plastic balloons dat can't be filtered out of drinking water entering lake public water sucked out of got der from sewer water pumped into lakes.

Maybe take some soapy water and mix in some softener salt and see what you get after sits a while.

Other den dat, send sample to lab deals wid such see what dey say.

 

[zzvyb6]

I'd take a look at what your laundry is pumping into the drains. We use strainer filters in the drain tub. We have to check it before each load. All the synthetic clothing disintegrates and the fibers clog the drain. I've used filter 'socks' on the washer outlet, too, but they plug up very quickly. Dog hair is a terrific filter plugger. My dogs love to romp in dirt. They know the 'shower' word very well, but I'll get 3 - 4 clumps of black hair in the drain after just a quick rinse.

I suppose 'changing your diet' has been suggested ? Ha Ha..

 

[RalphVa]

I have a rural property with a septic system that doesn't seem to work as well as it should.

Background is that it was installed in 2004 and passed county inspection in 2016. Sized for 4 bedroom house (which it is) at 600 GPD. First tank is 750 gal, second tank is 1250. There is a plastic filter between the tanks that needs to be cleaned occasionally. Mound system drainfield. We always have 2 people in the house. Every other week it increases to 3 or 4 (teenagers). We don't do excessive laundry, probably average less than 3 showers a day even on busy weeks. No other significant water inflow beyond typical kitchen and toilet. Don't put anything suspect down the drain like food waste (i.e. no in sink garbage disposal and no grease down the drain). Had the system pumped out several times since 2016. Always been told system looks great and no excess build-up.

Symptoms are that every 1.5 to 3 months the filter gets plugged up and causes the level in the first tank to increase, sometimes to the point of backing up into the drain in the lowest level utility room. We've always caught it quickly and never had it go beyond the drain area (have a leak detector since the first time it happened). I've taken to cleaning the filter proactively every 2-3 months, though I was told by the septic guy when we moved in that annually should be fine. Filter plugs with what looks like potting soil consistency stuff. Black, somewhat granular. I spray it off and we're good to go mostly, but sometimes it plugs before my next scheduled cleaning. My septic guy tells me he has no real idea why this happens except that he thinks the system is not large enough.

Does anyone have ideas on why this situation occurs? Is it really not big enough for what averages to fewer than a 3 person household? If that's the case I'm certainly not going to put in a new system for $20K+... I'll just increase my filter cleaning frequency. But it seems like something else is wrong because I know of nobody else with a septic system that has these issues. I talk to people who never do anything with their system other than pump it every 3-4 years.

Thanks.

Must be because of the type pump used downstream of the filter. I'd check into another type pump. In the oil industry when pumping solids (e.g. wax), we used an open impeller centrifugal. I'd think it should handle poop solids. Eliminate the filter.

Ralph

 

[BigBlue1]

Must be because of the type pump used downstream of the filter. I'd check into another type pump. In the oil industry when pumping solids (e.g. wax), we used an open impeller centrifugal. I'd think it should handle poop solids. Eliminate the filter.

Ralph

That wouldn't be good for the drainfield regardless of how finely they are chopped. The goal with a septic system like this is to settle out all solids or things that can plug up the system and keep it all out of the drainfield.

 

[Macinnis]

Would having a larger than required septic tank be beneficial? In my mind, it seems it would be worth the extra money, but I am wondering if the septic experts have any experience/knowledge on this topic.

Thanks,

 

[4570Man]

Would having a larger than required septic tank be beneficial? In my mind, it seems it would be worth the extra money, but I am wondering if the septic experts have any experience/knowledge on this topic.

Thanks,

I would think the bigger the tank the better. I was thinking along the lines of installing a 3rd tank for the pump and using both the current tanks for septic tanks.

 

[RoyKing]

undigested fats, use a biocide