IMPROVED EFFLUENT FILTER FOR SEPTIC TANKS AND OTHER ON-SITE WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS.

摘要

An effluent filter for septic tanks and the like has substantially horizontal filtering levels provided in a stepped arrangement on both an inlet side and an outlet side of the effluent filter. The effluent filter provides an array of both substantially horizontal and vertical filtering slits through which effluent must pass to reach the outlet side and exit the septic system. Particles in the effluent must navigate tortuous paths created by the array of filtering slits and are trapped by these filtering slits, rather than being allowed to exit the septic system with the filtered effluent. The effluent filter is flexible and is further provided with integral external flexible wiper blades that serve to improve a friction fit between the effluent filter and an associated T baffle, sanitary T baffle, or other pipe component, as well as prevent particles in the effluent from circumventing the effluent filter. The longevity between cleanings of the effluent filter is increased by integral means in both the upper and lower filtering zones for effluent to circumvent individual filtering layers as they become clogged with debris or slimed over, while redirecting the effluent to other non-clogged filtering levels of the effluent filter.