Wastewater Treatment: How to Maintain Your Sand Filter Septic System

If your home does not have an extended plot of land for a standard drain field, you should look into installing a sand filter system. This type of setup is designed to allow the treated effluent to flow back into the soil through a sand filter or a bed of sand. This septic structure is convenient and inexpensive for a home. However, if you want to achieve maximum performance, you must perform regular maintenance. Here are some practical tips for sand filter system care and upkeep.

Protect from Mechanical Pressure

The underground pipes which are installed to drain the effluent into the sand bed must be protected. In general, these pipes are strong, but they are vulnerable to mechanical pressure. If a heavy vehicle such as a truck or tractor drives over the area or parks on the land, the pipes could sustain damage. They might burst, and you will need to perform expensive replacements. Therefore, you should take note of the area where your septic system is installed and section it off for protection.

Clean Out the Clogged Pipes

The drain pipes in your septic system setup can become clogged over time. In simple terms, the wastewater tends to leave some small particles which build up on the walls. Over time, your drainage channels will become blocked. If this happens in your home, you should flush out the system to restore functionality. You can flush the entire septic system by driving water into the lines. You will only need to force clean water into the clean-out access which is attached to the sewer line air shaft. This process will clear out the clogs in your lines and minimise the build-up on the walls of the septic pipes. If you are experiencing repeated clogs or your septic system has shown slow drainage, you should check the filters in your setup. If these elements are not working as expected, you should remove and blow them out with clean water. If the pipes are severely clogged, and they keep causing system backups, you might need to consider replacement. 

Pump Out the Catching Tank

Finally, you should pump out your tank as prescribed by your sand filter septic contractors. This standard process is critical for removing the solid waste which builds up over time in the catching or holding tank. The frequency of pumping will be determined by the tank size and the wastewater volume produced in the home. Therefore, it is advisable to perform regular checks to prevent overfilling.