How to Clean an Effluent Filter

Pump your septic tank to empty it out. This will keep anything from passing through the system while you're cleaning the filter. You will need to check and clean the filter more often than you pump it, though. If it's not time to pump it out, turn all water off in the dwelling that the septic system serves while checking the filter. You don't want unfiltered wastewater in your drain field.

Look at the level of waste in your septic tank if it's not time to pump it out. If it's higher than normal, do not take out the filter, because that may be clogging the line. If you take out the filter, you may have a fairly explosive flow of waste right into your drain field. Pump the tank out or have it pumped out professionally.

Remove the filter and look at it. If it has a lot of waste on it, it's time to hose it down. Do not point the hose toward your dwelling to do this, as what will come off is definitely not something you want near your home. Point away from dwellings and people. When you're done, put the filter back in and wash your hands thoroughly.