Top Septic Tank Inspection Companies in Aurora, Colorado Ranked

A septic tank inspection is a critical evaluation of your home's private wastewater system, ensuring it is functioning safely and in compliance with local health codes. For Aurora homeowners, these assessments are not just about maintenance-they are often a legal requirement for property sales and routine compliance. This guide explains the local regulations, what happens during a professional evaluation, and how you can find qualified inspectors to protect your property and investment.

Understanding Local Septic System Regulations

In Aurora, septic system oversight is shared between the city and county health departments. Your specific requirements depend on which county your property is located in-Adams, Arapahoe, or Douglas. These counties generally follow guidelines aligned with the former Tri-County Health Department and enforce Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Regulation 43.

The two most common triggers for a mandatory system evaluation are property transfer and routine compliance.

• Property Sales: Before selling a home with a septic system, you typically need a "Use Permit" or "Certificate of Compliance" from the local health department. This requires a recent inspection and often a pumping, performed by a state-certified professional, usually within the last year.
• Routine Compliance: Colorado law mandates that septic systems be inspected at least once every four years by a licensed professional ¹. This regular check-up helps prevent environmental contamination and costly system failures.

For new installations or major repairs, you must obtain a permit through the City of Aurora's building department or your respective county health department ². It's always wise to check current building codes with your local authority for the most up-to-date information ².

The Role of a Certified Septic Inspector

Not just any contractor can perform a legally valid septic system evaluation. All inspections must be conducted by a licensed septic cleaner or inspector certified by the state of Colorado. These professionals are trained to assess system components against state and local standards and can file the official paperwork required by health departments.

Hiring a certified expert ensures the inspection will be recognized for permit applications and real estate transactions. They provide a detailed report that can identify minor issues before they become major, expensive repairs, offering peace of mind whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining your home.

What a Comprehensive Septic Inspection Includes

A standard certified septic system evaluation in Colorado is a thorough process designed to assess the health of every component. Here's what you can expect a professional to do:

1. Locate and Expose the System: The inspector will find and diagram your septic tank and drainfield (leach field). They will then excavate to uncover the tank's access lids.
2. Evaluate Tank Contents: This is a core part of the inspection. The inspector measures the levels of scum (floating layer) and sludge (settled solids) inside the tank. If the combined depth exceeds about 25% of the tank's liquid volume, pumping is usually recommended to maintain proper function ^{3 4 5}.
3. Inspect Tank Structure and Baffles: The condition of the concrete, fiberglass, or plastic tank is checked for cracks or leaks. The inlet and outlet baffles-crucial for preventing solids from entering the drainfield-are inspected to ensure they are intact and securely attached ⁶.
4. Assess the Drainfield: The inspector examines the leach field area for signs of failure, which are serious red flags. These include:
   • Standing water or soggy soil (ponding)
   • Unusually lush or green grass over the field

• Sewage odors emanating from the area ⁷

5. Conduct Operational Tests: Water is run through the household plumbing to verify proper flow from the house to the tank and from the tank to the drainfield. This "load test" helps identify blockages or hydraulic failures.
6. Inspect Pumps and Electrical Components: If your system includes a pump to move effluent to the drainfield, the inspector will test the pump, its float switches, alarm, and all electrical connections for proper operation.
7. Provide Reporting: Following the assessment, the inspector will provide a detailed report of their findings. For compliance or property transfer inspections, they will submit this report directly to the local health department to facilitate the issuance of your Use Permit ⁸.

Costs Associated with Septic Inspections in Aurora

Understanding the potential costs helps in budgeting for this essential service. Prices can vary based on the company, tank size, and system complexity.

• Septic Inspection Only: A standard evaluation typically ranges from $150 to $350 ⁹.
• Septic Pumping: If the inspection reveals the tank needs to be pumped, this service usually costs an additional $200 to $400, depending on tank size ¹⁰.
• Combined Inspection and Pumping: Many companies offer a package deal, especially for property transfers where pumping is often required. A combined service frequently falls in the range of $400 to $600 or more ¹¹.
• Health Department Fees: Be aware that the local health department charges a separate filing fee to process the inspection report and issue a Certificate of Compliance or Use Permit. This fee is often around $75 or more and is usually in addition to the inspector's charges ¹².

Maintaining Your System Between Inspections

While professional evaluations are mandatory, proactive maintenance between inspections extends your system's life. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items (wipes, feminine products, grease) and limit the use of harsh chemicals. Be mindful of water usage and avoid parking or building over your drainfield. Knowing the location of your tank and drainfield and keeping a record of all inspections and pumpings is highly recommended for any homeowner.

Frequently asked questions

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