Question 1

How often does a septic tank need to be pumped?

Accepted Answer

Q: How often does a septic tank need to be pumped?

A: For a traditional household with average family use, septic tanks typically need pumping every 3 to 5 years or when solids reach 25%.

If you're operating a short-term rental (STR) property, more frequent pumping may be required. In many cases, annual septic tank pumping is recommended for short-term rental properties to ensure proper maintenance and avoid issues.

Summit County Environmental Health requires most properties on septic to be pumped every 3 years as a condition for obtaining or renewing a short-term rental license.

Regular septic tank pumping helps maintain your system’s performance and ensures compliance with local regulations for short-term rentals. For personalized advice on your specific situation, contact us to schedule an inspection.

Question 2

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

Accepted Answer

A: The cost of septic tank pumping depends on two main factors: the size of your tank and the logistics involved in the pumping process. To give you an accurate quote, simply provide your property address, and we’ll pull up county records to determine the specifics of your system and provide quote.

Q: What logistics can make septic tank pumping more expensive?

A: Several factors can make the pumping process more challenging, which can increase costs:

Buried tank lids: If the lids are buried or difficult to access, extra time and effort will be required to uncover them, which can drive up the cost.

Long hose runs: If the septic tank is more than 100 feet away from the pumping truck, we’ll need extra hose length, which can slow down the process and reduce vacuum pressure, increasing costs.

Vertical lift: Pumping uphill is more difficult, slowing down the process due to reduced vacuum pressure and the added physical strain on our technicians.

Excess solids: If your tank has a high level of solids, it can take significantly longer to pump. We may need to break up the solids, which can cause hose clogs that require us to repeatedly clear them, slowing the overall process.

Give us a call or send us an email for a free no-obligation quote.

Question 3

Do you service Grand, Park or Lake counties?

Accepted Answer

No. We work exclusively in Summit County, Colorado.

For Grand County please contact A&A Septic at 970-557-4257 or info@aandaseptic.com they're great, NAWT certified, and responsive.

For Park & Lake counties we recommend checking with your local county office,

We Service:
- Silverthorne
- Heeney
- Dillon
- Frisco
- Breckenridge
- Blue River
- Montezuma

Question 4

What are the signs of a failing septic system?

Accepted Answer

Slow drains, foul odors around the drainfield, gurgling toilets, or sewage backups indicate your system needs attention.

Question 5

Do I need an OWTS Use Permit for selling or remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Summit County Environmental Health requires an OWTS Use Permit inspection by a NAWT-licensed inspector for real estate transactions and major remodels. Pumping within 12 months is mandatory.

We are NAWT-licensed for inspections and pumping.

Question 6

Do you install septic systems?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time, but we can refer you to local contracts who can.

Question 7

I have a plumbing issue, can you help?

Accepted Answer

Our specialty is septic systems and sewer lines. We don’t deal with interior fixtures or appliances and primarily focus on the exterior of the home.

If you're on city sewer and experiencing issues in the kitchen, laundry, or upstairs bathrooms, you’ll need a plumber. However, if you're having problems with the main sewer line, we can likely help.

If you're on septic and noticing slow drains or toilet issues—especially on lower levels closest to your septic tank—that’s where we come in.

Still unsure? Give us a call, send us a text, or shoot us an email—we’re happy to help figure it out.

Question 8

Do you provide portable toilets?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide or service portable toilets or RV's.

970-368-2025

questions & answers

HERE ARE SOME COMMON SEPTIC QUESTIONS & OUR ANSWERS