Homemade Septic Tank Baffle

PVC elbow used to create a baffle in a septic tank

The baffle of the septic tank is one of the most important parts of the entire septic system. The baffle separates solids such as scum and sludge from leaving the septic tank and flowing throughout the pipes and into the field drain or the cesspool. These solids are harmful to the system and will greatly reduce the life of the system without a proper working baffle.

Things You'll Need

• 4-inch PVC elbow, female to male
• 4-inch PVC pipe
• Rubber waterproof gloves
• Shovel
• Sump pump
• Rubber coupling
• Hex screwdriver

Instructions

1. Locate the septic tank lid and remove the dirt from the top of the lid and around the sides of the lid.

2. Pry a corner of the lid up with a shovel.

3. Lift the lid off of the septic tank.

4. Locate the outlet pipe. The outlet will be the pipe that is farthest away from the building or structure.

5. Pump out the septic tank until the water level is at least 2 feet below the outlet pipe.

6. Clean all debris off of the end of the pipe 4 inches in from the end.

7. Attach a rubber coupling securely onto the male end of the elbow. Tighten firmly with hex screwdriver.

8. Glue a 2-foot section of the 4-inch PVC pipe on the female end of the elbow.

9. Attach the coupling to the outlet pipe with the elbow and the extension facing down toward the bottom of the tank.

10. Tighten the hex screw firmly.

11. Check the fitting to ensure that it is attached firmly.

12. Replace the septic tank lid. The lid must be flat against the tank without any gaps.

13. Backfill the dirt onto the lid.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you will have the septic tank lid removed, it is a good time to have a professional pumper clean out the tank.

• Always wear protective waterproof gloves to keep bacteria away from skin.

References

• Eco-Nomic: How to Build Septic Tank Systems
• Inspectapedia.com: Septic System Design Basics

Resources

• C. A. Turner Co.: Rubber Couplings or Sewer Pipe