How Often Should You Pump a Septic Tank in El Paso County?
How often household tanks are typically pumped, how often El Paso County recommends a professional evaluation, and the stricter schedules for advanced systems, each with its source.
How often should a septic tank be pumped in Colorado Springs?
Every three to five years for a typical household tank, according to the U.S. EPA. Locally, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) recommends that every conventional (TL1) system be evaluated by an OWTS maintenance provider at least every 4 years, according to the county's Chapter 8 OWTS regulations.
The 4-year figure is in section 8.14.C.2.c(2) of the county's Chapter 8 OWTS regulations (effective July 11, 2026; retrieved 2026-10-20). It is a recommendation, not a mandate. The evaluation is what tells you whether the tank actually needs pumping. A busy household, a small tank or a garbage disposal can mean pumping sooner.
What determines how often your septic tank needs pumping?
Four things, according to the EPA: household size, the total amount of wastewater, the volume of solids in that wastewater, and the size of the tank.
The EPA adds that an in-sink garbage disposal means "your tank will need to be pumped more frequently". Its rule of thumb is to pump when solids reach two-thirds of the tank's volume. For what else to keep out of the tank, see what not to flush or pour down the drain.
How much wastewater does a household send to a septic tank?
As much as 70 gallons per person per day indoors, the EPA says, and a single leaking or running toilet can add up to 200 gallons a day.
El Paso County sizes new single-family systems for a design flow of at least 75 gallons per person per day (Chapter 8, section 8.6.A.2.a). Fixing leaks and spreading laundry across the week, as the EPA suggests, sends less water through the tank and helps the drainfield.
How often do advanced septic systems need service in El Paso County?
More often than conventional ones. Chapter 8 (section 8.14.C.2.b) requires owners of higher-level treatment systems to have them inspected and maintained on whichever of these schedules is most frequent:
- the manufacturer's recommendations for proprietary systems, or the design engineer's requirements for public-domain technology;
- every 12 months, for higher-level treatment systems with no mechanical parts;
- for other higher-level treatment and disinfection systems, two inspections 6 months apart in the first year (the first within 60 days of installation approval), then once a year for the life of the system.
Owners of systems that use pressure distribution, or that treat to level TL2 or higher, must also keep an active service contract with a maintenance provider at all times (section 8.14.C.2.c(3)). EPCPH's O&M page says these systems need a maintenance contract with a listed O&M Certified Inspector (retrieved 2026-10-20). Nationally, the EPA says alternative systems with float switches, pumps or mechanical parts should generally be inspected once a year.
How can you tell when the tank is full enough to pump?
By measuring it. The EPA says to pump when the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet, or the top of the sludge is within 12 inches of the outlet.
It is also time when sludge and scum together exceed 25 percent of the liquid depth, according to the same EPA guidance.
If you haven't pumped in years and have had no problems, the EPA cautions that solids may be building up and slowly moving toward the drainfield. That can raise the cost of pumping, and a clogged drainfield may have to be replaced entirely.
Who is responsible for keeping the septic tank pumped?
The owner. Chapter 8 (section 8.14.A) makes the owner responsible for maintaining the system in compliance with state law and county rules.
Owners can assign the work by contract to a tenant or a third party, but that "does not relieve owners of the ultimate responsibility for their systems".
How long does a septic system last?
A concrete septic tank may last 50 years or more, the EPA says. Pumps and controls often need replacing every 10 to 20 years.
The EPA also notes that in drainfields more than 25 to 30 years old, the biomat at the bottom of the trenches can thicken and slow drainage. Its advice for systems of that age is to "start planning for an upgrade before you are in an emergency situation".