What Is A Baffle? Septic Tank Baffle FAQ

Have you ever asked yourself, “what is a baffle?” Septic tank baffles are an important part of your Sparta septic system, but a lot of homeowners aren’t aware of it. Read on to learn what septic tank baffles are, where they’re located and why you need them in your Sparta septic tank.

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Septic Tank Baffle

The line entering the septic tank from your home is an “inlet” line.  This line has an “septic tank inlet baffle” installed on the inside of the tank.  A properly maintained inlet septic baffle directs incoming waste downward, below the liquid level, minimizing disruption of the liquid and solid layers inside the tank.

Without a properly functioning inlet septic baffle, the solids, as well as the floating top layer, often labeled the FOG (fats, oils and grease) and/or Scum layer, may overflow to the outlet line, consequently, also flowing to the absorption component, whether a “field” or “seepage pit”.

What is a Baffle Filter?

If you’re baffled by baffle filters, you’re not the only one. Baffle Filters only became required on septic systems since 2012, so your system may not even have one. But they do help keep your system working longer.
When wastewater flows out of the septic tank into the absorption field it can get clogged up without a filter.
Cleaning a baffle filter is part of regular maintenance. We can clean it for you, but you can do it yourself. It’s not as gross as it sounds.

Septic Tank Outlet Baffle

On the “outlet” side of the tank, a line leaves the septic tank towards the absorption component on each system. This line should have an outlet septic baffle, which prevents the scum layer and any retained solids from entering the disposal area or leach field.

A disintegrated or missing outlet septic tank baffle needs to be repaired in order maintain the integrity of the disposal area and keep your septic system functioning its best.

Septic Tank Maintenance & Septic Baffles

During routine septic pumping in Sussex County, NJ, or during a home septic inspection, your Wilson Services’ tech will locate the inlet and outlet areas of the tank and assess whether the septic tank baffles are currently in place and in acceptable condition. If we find either to be deteriorating or missing, we’ll recommend a small investment in a septic tank baffle replacement, as this is an excellent way for you to extend the life of your septic system.

Septic solids, fats, oils and grease waste must not only empty into the tank, but stay there, until your next septic pumping in Sussex County is completed, and the only way this can happen is with properly functioning septic tank baffles.

Septic Companies in Sussex County

Call us at Wilson Services today if you have questions about septic tank baffles or need repair or septic pumping in Sussex County, NJ, today!