Question 1

How long does a septic system installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential installations take 1–3 days depending on soil conditions, system size, and permit requirements. Larger or more complex systems — like mound systems or those on challenging terrain — may take up to a week. We give you a clear timeline during your free estimate so there are no surprises.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to install a septic system in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Colorado, all septic system installations require permits through your county health department. We handle all permitting paperwork on your behalf — it's included in our service at no extra charge.

Question 3

How do I know what size septic system I need?

Accepted Answer

System size is determined by the number of bedrooms in your home, daily water usage, and soil percolation test results. We perform a full site evaluation and perc test as part of the design process before recommending any system.

Question 4

What type of septic system is best for my property?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your soil type, lot size, topography, and local regulations. Common options include conventional gravity systems, mound systems, aerobic treatment units, and chamber systems. We'll evaluate your site and recommend the right fit — never a one-size-fits-all solution.

Question 5

How much does septic system installation cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary based on system type, property conditions, and local permit fees. Most residential installations in Northern Colorado range from $8,000 to $20,000+. We provide free, transparent estimates with no hidden fees or surprises.

Question 6

Can you install a septic system on a mountain property or remote lot?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is one of our specialties. We do a significant amount of work in mountain communities like Red Feather Lakes, Estes Park, and Glen Haven. Our compact equipment is well-suited for tight access and rocky terrain that larger companies won't touch.

Question 7

How do I know if my septic system is failing?

Accepted Answer

Common warning signs include slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors inside or outside, soggy or unusually green patches of grass over the drain field, and sewage backing up into fixtures. If you notice any of these, call us right away — the sooner it's diagnosed, the less expensive the repair.

Question 8

Can a failing drain field be repaired or does it need full replacement?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Depending on the cause — compaction, root intrusion, biomat buildup — a drain field can sometimes be restored without full replacement. We diagnose the problem first and give you honest options, not just the most expensive fix.

Question 9

How long does a septic repair take?

Accepted Answer

Minor repairs like replacing a distribution box or fixing a broken line can often be done in a day. Drain field repairs or partial replacements typically take 2–4 days. We'll give you a clear scope before any work begins.

Question 10

My septic alarm is going off — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Don't ignore it. A septic alarm typically means the water level in your tank is higher than normal, which can indicate a pump failure, clogged line, or other issue. Reduce water use immediately and call us — we can diagnose and resolve most alarm situations quickly.

Question 11

How often should I pump my septic tank?

Accepted Answer

For a typical household, every 3–5 years. Homes with more occupants, a garbage disposal, or heavy water use may need pumping more frequently. Regular pumping is the single most effective way to extend the life of your system.

Question 12

What should I never flush or put down the drain?

Accepted Answer

Never flush wipes (even 'flushable' ones), feminine hygiene products, paper towels, medications, grease, or harsh chemical cleaners. These either clog lines or kill the beneficial bacteria your system relies on to treat wastewater.

Question 13

How do I maintain my new septic system?

Accepted Answer

We walk you through everything after installation. Key practices: pump every 3–5 years, avoid flushing non-biodegradables, spread laundry loads throughout the week, keep heavy vehicles and deep-rooted plants off the drain field, and have the system inspected if you notice any issues.

Question 14

What types of excavation services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer site preparation, foundation excavation and backfilling, French drain installation, utility trenching, driveway grading, and demolition. All work is done with compact mini excavation equipment that minimizes site disturbance.

Question 15

Can you work in tight or hard-to-access areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's the advantage of mini excavation. Our equipment fits through gates, around structures, and in areas that full-size machinery simply can't access. We regularly work on mountain properties, narrow lots, and residential backyards.

Question 16

Do you handle utility line locating before digging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We always call 811 (Colorado's 'Call Before You Dig' service) before any excavation to locate underground utilities. Safety is non-negotiable on every job site.

Question 17

What is a French drain and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from your home or yard. If you have standing water, a soggy yard, or water pooling near your foundation, a French drain is often the most effective and affordable solution.

Question 18

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Northern Colorado including Loveland, Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes, Greeley, Boulder, Longmont, Estes Park, and dozens of surrounding communities across Larimer, Weld, Boulder, and Broomfield counties. We regularly travel to mountain communities within about a 2-hour radius of Loveland.

Question 19

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — always. We'll visit your property, assess the situation, and give you a clear, detailed estimate at no charge and with no obligation. We believe in transparent pricing before any work starts.

Question 20

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jake's Mini Excavation & Septic Systems is fully licensed and insured in the state of Colorado. We carry all required certifications for septic system installation and excavation work.

Question 21

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Just give us a call at (970) 391-0184 or fill out the contact form on our website. We'll get back to you quickly to schedule a free on-site evaluation. Most projects can be quoted within a few days.

Got Questions?
We've Got Answers.

Septic Installation

Ready to Get Started?

Got Questions?We've Got Answers.

Septic Installation

Ready to Get Started?

Got Questions?
We've Got Answers.