How to Prevent Drainage Clogs When You Have a Sand Box Septic Filtration System
Posted on: 29 January 2016
If you have a relatively small property with a septic system, then it is likely that you have either a sand mound or a sand box filtration system that helps to take care of the fluid wastes that are transported out of the tank. If you have a sand box filtration system in place, then it is extremely important that you keep this part of the system in great shape. Otherwise, fluids may build in your system extremely quickly and cause a backflow issue. To learn how to properly take care of this part of the septic system by keeping clogs at bay, keep reading.
Flush the Drainage Box
Your sand filtration system works by allowing effluent or liquid wastes from the septic tank to filter through a buried box filled with sand and rock. A pump releases the liquid wastes over the materials. They then filter the fluid and leave relatively clean water waste in a sump pit underneath the box. The fluids are then pumped to another area of your property where they can drain. This system works properly as long as the waste material is spread out evenly along the sand and rock in the box area. If it is not, then the fluid can back up in the system and cause wastes to enter your home. This situation typically occurs when the drain lines that sit across the filter box become clogged. You can prevent this clogging problem by flushing the lines about once a year.
To flush the drainage lines, you will need to locate the clean-out for the drainage field. The clean-out will be a small vertical pipe that allows you to directly access the pipes of the drainage system. Most clean-outs are located along the main septic tank outlet that runs from the septic tank to the sand box area. The clean-out should be close to the septic tank so you have access to the majority of the drainage lines. While you can likely find the clean-out opening by digging in the earth, you should ask your septic cleaning professional to locate it for you. The best time to search for it is when the septic tank has been dug up during a cleaning. Once the clean-out is found, place a stake in the earth so it is easy to find the next time.
Dig up the clean-out when you are ready and release the cap that closes it off. Place a garden hose in the opening and allow water to run through the drainage system for about 10 minutes. This is sufficient to remove built up debris without completely washing away bacteria that aid in the breakdown of waste material.
Add a Filter
If you do not already have a filter located somewhere along the main drainage line running to your filtration box, then one should be added. This is especially true if you notice some minor clog or flow issues that include bubbling sounds coming from your toilet and foul odors. Also, if you find that annual inspections lead to septic cleanings much more often than normal, then drainage flow and clog issues are a concern. A filter along the main drainage line will help to collect solid debris that is likely to clog the much smaller pipes and openings that feed your sand filtration system.
A filter located near the clean-out opening is best, because this will allow you to easily flush the filter with water. Ask your septic specialist to help with the installation of the filter, since the device will need to be connected directly to the drainage pipe. This means cutting the pipe and fitting the filter in place. When you schedule the work to be done, just make sure to ask for a device with a bristle filter. The filter will look like a bristle scrub brush and debris can be rinsed fairly easily from the filter when it comes time to flush the system.
To learn more about the process or to receive assistance, contact companies like Rob's Septic Tanks Inc.
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