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Septic System Installation in Colorado Springs, CO

El Paso County County · 0 providers · Avg. $3,500 - $20,000

About Septic System Installation in Colorado Springs

Septic system installation is a major construction project that involves designing and building an underground wastewater treatment system customized for your property. The process begins with a percolation (perc) test, where a soil scientist or engineer evaluates how quickly your soil absorbs water — this determines which system type is appropriate. Conventional gravity systems work well in areas with good drainage and adequate soil depth, while properties with high water tables, clay soils, or limited space may require engineered alternatives like mound systems, aerobic treatment units (ATUs), or drip distribution systems. Installation involves excavating for the tank, laying distribution pipes, constructing the drain field, and connecting the household plumbing. The entire process typically requires permits from your local health department, inspections at multiple stages, and a licensed installer. Costs vary dramatically by region, soil conditions, and system complexity — from $3,500 for a basic conventional system to over $20,000 for an engineered aerobic unit. Proper installation by a licensed professional is critical: a poorly installed system can contaminate groundwater, fail prematurely, and create expensive legal liability.

What Colorado Springs Homeowners Should Know

Local Soil Conditions: El Paso County soils around Colorado Springs include the Hyattville-Olney complex—a fine sandy loam to loam texture with moderate permeability—and Pring sandy loam on slopes. Foothill areas west of the city feature shallow Wetmore-Stoneham rocky soils over Pikes Peak granite. Urban disturbed fill soils are widespread throughout the developed urban core.

Water Table: Groundwater depth ranges from 15 to 40 feet in most upland areas. Fountain Creek and Monument Creek floodplains show seasonal groundwater at 4 to 8 feet during spring snowmelt.

Climate Impact: Colorado Springs has a semi-arid climate at 6,035 feet elevation. Annual precipitation averages 16.5 inches, with notable monsoon moisture from July through September. Winters are cold with ground frost persisting November through March. Afternoon thunderstorms in summer can temporarily saturate drainfields.

Signs You Need Septic System Installation

  • Building a new home without access to municipal sewer
  • Existing system has failed beyond repair
  • Adding significant square footage or bedrooms to your home
  • Converting a property from dry well or cesspool to modern septic
  • Local regulations require system upgrade or replacement

The Septic System Installation Process

  1. 1 Site evaluation and percolation test by a licensed soil scientist
  2. 2 System design by a licensed engineer based on soil and household size
  3. 3 Obtain permits from the county or state health department
  4. 4 Excavate the tank pit, distribution box area, and drain field trenches
  5. 5 Set the tank, connect inlet/outlet pipes, and install the distribution system
  6. 6 Backfill, grade the site, and restore landscaping
  7. 7 Schedule required inspections and obtain final approval

No Septic System Installation providers listed yet in Colorado Springs

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Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Springs

Do I need a septic system in Colorado Springs if I live near the city?
Properties within the Colorado Springs city limits are generally connected to the municipal sewer system managed by Colorado Springs Utilities. Rural properties in unincorporated El Paso County—including Black Forest, Fountain, Falcon, and Peyton—typically rely on onsite septic systems regulated by El Paso County Public Health.
How did the Black Forest Fire affect septic systems in the area?
The 2013 Black Forest Fire destroyed over 500 homes, many served by septic systems. Post-fire replacement systems were required to meet current El Paso County design standards, which in some cases differed from the original installation requirements. Homeowners rebuilding after the fire were advised to conduct fresh site evaluations because fire can alter soil structure and permeability, potentially changing system design requirements.
What soil types are common in El Paso County for septic installation?
El Paso County soils range from the moderate-drainage Hyattville-Olney sandy loam complex on the plains to shallow, rocky Wetmore soils over Pikes Peak granite in foothill areas. The sandy loam soils generally support conventional gravity systems, while foothill sites with less than 18 inches of soil over bedrock typically require engineered mound or drip irrigation systems.
How often should Colorado Springs area septic tanks be pumped?
El Paso County Public Health recommends pumping every 3 to 5 years for a standard residential septic tank. Households with garbage disposals or larger-than-average occupancy should pump more frequently, closer to every 2 to 3 years, to prevent solids from migrating into the drainfield.
What is required for a septic system permit in El Paso County?
An OWTS permit from El Paso County Public Health requires a completed site evaluation report by a licensed engineer or registered sanitarian, a system design that complies with CDPHE Regulation 43, and a completed permit application with fee payment. Work must not begin until the permit is issued, and a final inspection is required before the system is covered.

Other Services in Colorado Springs

🌿Drain Field Repair🍳Grease Trap Pumping🔍Septic Inspection🚽Septic Tank Pumping🔧Septic Repair💧Well Drilling⚙️Well Pump Repair🔬Well Water Testing💦Well Water Treatment