BasketFilter

Basket filters are sized to match the inlet or lid opening of your tank, with our range covering 4 inch to 16 inch diameters. Measure the internal diameter of the opening the filter needs to sit within, rather than the lid itself, as too loose a fit will let debris bypass the mesh. If you're unsure, check your tank's datasheet or get in touch with our team for guidance.

A basket filter is a standalone mesh or perforated basket that sits inside the tank opening, catching leaves and grit before water enters. A lid with an integrated debris strainer combines this filtration with the tank's access cover, so you get the same protection without needing a separate component. Both do a similar job, but strainer lids are a neater option if you're replacing an existing cover.

A basket filter is designed to catch larger debris such as leaves, moss and twigs, along with coarser grit, before it settles in the tank. It won't remove fine silt or dissolved pollutants — for that level of filtration, particularly on rainwater harvesting systems, you'd want one of our dedicated rainwater harvesting filters as well. Using a basket filter alongside proper first-flush or in-line filtration gives the best overall water quality.

This depends on how much debris your site generates — a tank under trees will need more frequent attention than one in an open area. As a guide, check the basket every few months and after heavy rain or autumn leaf fall, when they can clog quickly. Because they're made from polyethylene, they simply lift out, empty and rinse clean without any special tools.

Yes, most basket filters are designed as a retrofit solution and simply drop into the existing lid opening or inlet, provided the aperture matches one of our standard sizes. There's no cutting or specialist fitting required in most cases, making them straightforward for both trade installers and homeowners to add. If your tank has a non-standard opening, let us know the dimensions and we can advise on the closest fit.

Basket filters are primarily intended for water storage and rainwater harvesting tanks rather than septic or sewage treatment systems, where solids handling is managed differently within the process itself. Fitting one to a septic tank inlet could interfere with the intended flow and isn't something we'd recommend without checking your system's design first. For sewage treatment plants, always follow the manufacturer's guidance on inlet protection and maintenance.