Your guide to Ecoflo biofilter septic system maintenance
Like all advanced septic systems, the Ecoflo biofilter needs regular maintenance to ensure it treats wastewater effectively.
Our goal as a responsible manufacturer is to make the process as simple as possible for our customers.
That is why we invite Ecoflo biofilter owners to follow our annual maintenance guidelines.
Advantages of Ecoflo septic system maintenance
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nowhere is this truer than on properties with septic systems, either for residential or larger projects.
Maintenance protects health and the environment
Properly maintained septic systems are unlikely to fail. That makes maintenance a simple insurance policy that protects your health and the environment from wastewater contaminants.
Regular system care prevents:
- illnesses in humans and livestock
- polluted soil, groundwater, and drinking water
- harmful algae blooms in lakes, rivers, and streams
- unhealthy populations of aquatic species
Maintenance protects your investment
The Ecoflo biofilter is an important investment for many property owners.
The best way to protect that investment is with proper care. Regular service maximises the lifespan of the system’s filtering medium and ensures effective wastewater treatment for years to come.
Maintenance saves you money
Regular maintenance is about more than just checking the overall performance of your system.
It is a chance to spot any component that needs to be repaired or replaced. By acting quickly, you can correct small problems before they lead to greater and more expensive damage.
How often is Ecoflo biofilter maintenance required?
Maintenance frequency is determined by the type of use:
- Permanent residences: we recommend maintenance every six to 12 months.
- Secondary homes or cottages: maintenance every 12 months is likely to be adequate.
- Small communities (< 200 PE): we recommend that you contact our service team to determine to best maintenance schedule.
Maintenance for other system components may also be required. For example, your septic tank should be pumped out every two to three years. If you have a tertiary treatment technology, such as a UV disinfection system, we recommend that you have it maintained at the same time as your Ecoflo biofilter.
What happens during Ecoflo septic system maintenance?
Ecoflo biofilter maintenance includes an inspection of every component in your system. Here are the steps we follow when we visit your property.
1. Inspect the lid
We first inspect the condition of the lid that covers your Ecoflo biofilter. If any nuts or bolts are damaged or missing, we replace them as soon as possible at no extra cost.
2. Inspect internal components
We then remove the biofilter lid and insulation panel to inspect the system’s tipping bucket and distribution plates.
These internal components are covered by our 10-year warranty. If they are damaged during the coverage period, we replace them right away at no extra cost.
3. Inspect the shell or tank
The next step is a visual inspection of the interior of your Ecoflo biofilter. We look for any signs of cracking or buckling in the shell or tank. If we find anything unusual, we note the location and severity of the problem. If further action is needed, our team will follow up with you.
4. Maintain the filtering medium
Inside your system, wastewater falls across a filter made of coconut husk fragments or a combination of coco and peat moss. This filter is the heart of your Ecoflo septic system and it needs special attention during a maintenance visit.
We use a tool to scarify (break up and loosen) the surface of the filtering medium. This action maximises the life of the filter and helps you get the best performance from your system.
The process:
- ensures optimal biofiltration
- introduces oxygen needed for healthy bacterial activity
- makes it easier for bacteria to feed on biomass on the surface of the filter
- destroys wastewater paths that could prematurely degrade certain areas of the filter
5. Take photos of the filtering medium
We then take detailed photos of the filtering medium. Our goal is to help our in-house technicians see the level of compaction. We use this information to determine when the filtering medium needs to be renewed.
In most cases, filters provide 10 to 15 years of effective performance before renewal is required.
6. Return components to original positions
Next, we return the internal components to their original positions and check that they function properly. We then position the insulation panel across the main access point and bolt the lid into place.
7. Send field notes to Premier Tech
Finally, our technicians return to their vehicles and send their field notes to our in-house team.
These notes are a critical tool for us. They allow us to:
- send you a detailed report about your septic system
- ensure your system protects your drain field and the environment
- pinpoint any problems and offer you the best solutions
Ecoflo septic system maintenance cost
The cost of Ecoflo biofilter maintenance depends on a few factors, including:
- regulations in your area
- technologies in your septic system
- availability of service technicians in your area
- whether your property is accessible by road
Please contact our team if you need a copy of your most recent letter. If you are not yet a customer, we can provide details about maintenance prices in your area.
Do you need to be on site during maintenance visits?
We do not require customers to be on site during Ecoflo biofilter maintenance visits.
That said, we welcome the chance for you to observe our work. We only ask that you follow the instructions our service technicians provide for you. Our highest priorities are to keep you safe and to protect your septic system.
Quick tips to help our service teams
Make maintenance safe and simple for our service technicians by always keeping the lid of your Ecoflo biofilter accessible. Please do not bury or cover it for any reason.
