Septic Pumping & Inspections
Tank Cleaning and Pumping
Why Regular Septic Tank Pumping Is Important
Proper maintenance prevents blockages at the tank inlet, backups into your home, and costly damages to both the tank and the djainfield.
As wastewater enters the tank, solids settle to the bottom, forming a sludge layer, while grease and lighter materials float to the top as scum. A properly designed tank can safely hold sludge for 3-5 years.
If sludge builds up beyond this point, solids begin to escape into the drain field. Over time, this can clog the soil, causing plumbing backups or unsanitary wastewater surfacing in your yard.
Regular pumping removes solids before they reach the drainfield, assisting the system to run efficiently and preventing costly repairs.
A inspection of the electrical components of pump and alarm system at each tank cleaning are completed.
- It’s important to note: pressing the “Test” button on your alarm panel does not confirm the alarm float in the tank is working. The float must be lifted in the tank to properly test the system.
For systems using an effluent filter at the outlet of the first tank, we inspect and clean the filter as needed and verify that an alarm float is installed and operational.
We also inspect:
- Inspection ports to monitor liquid levels in drainfield sections
- Valve boxes to check water distribution and, if needed, adjust or rotate zones to ensure even flow
Engineered Systems
If you have an engineered septic system, we inspect the electrical components of the lift station pump and alarm system during each maintenance visit.
It is important to understand that pressing the “Test” button on the alarm panel and hearing a buzzer does not confirm that the alarm float inside the tank is functioning properly. The alarm system must be tested by physically lifting the alarm float in the tank to verify that it is connected and operating correctly.
If your system has an effluent filter installed at the outlet of the first septic tank, we inspect and clean the filter as needed. We also verify that an alarm float is installed and functioning properly. Effluent filters typically require cleaning more frequently than the septic tank pumping schedule. We recommend inspecting the filter every six months until an appropriate cleaning frequency has been established based on your household’s usage.
An inspection of the drainfield observation ports to monitor liquid levels within the drainfield. The distribution valve box is checked to evaluate how wastewater is being dispersed throughout the drainfield. Many systems require periodic adjustment or rotation of drain field zones to ensure wastewater is distributed evenly and to maximize the lifespan of the system.
Use Permit & Transfer of Title Inspections for Home Sales & Remodeling
Many counties in Colorado require a Use Permit or Transfer of Title to be issued under the following circumstances:
- Sale or change of ownership of the property served by an OWTS
- Change in use of the property
- The addition of two or more bedrooms onto the residence
- The addition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Douglas County Septic provides licensed Inspectors to check the septic tank, electrical connections, controls and pump (if applicable), and the Soil Treatment Area / Leachfield, Drainfield / Absorption Area.
Click on the links below to view the Q & A’s that help to explain the process.
**Please note that each county has their own fee schedule for Use Permits and Transfer of Title.**
