Frequently asked questions about septic systems in Suffolk County
What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic system?
A cesspool is an older, single-chamber underground structure that receives wastewater directly. A septic system separates solids in a tank and disperses liquid through a leaching structure. Suffolk County no longer allows a failed cesspool to be replaced with another cesspool; the minimum replacement since July 1, 2019 is a septic tank plus a leaching structure.
What is an I/A OWTS?
An Innovative/Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment System is a nitrogen-reducing system. Since July 1, 2021, new single-family homes and expansions in Suffolk County require an I/A OWTS. Ask the company whether your property requires one and what the SCDHS permit process involves.
Why do some companies show no license number?
Because their own website publishes none, or states only that it is licensed and insured without a number. This guide shows a license number only where the company publishes one on its own website, and only 3 of the 20 companies here do. One of those numbers is a Consumer Affairs number whose issuer is not clarified on its own site, and it is not an SCDHS number. Ask the company for its license number and verify it yourself with Suffolk County.
Why do some companies show no rating?
Because their own website publishes no rating figure with a review count. This guide never invents a rating and never presents a review-site figure as if it came from the company's own site. No rating means no rating was found on the company's own site, not that the company is bad. Rapid Response Cesspool is a special case: its own site claims top-rated status with more than 100 reviews but publishes no star figure, so no numeric rating is shown.
Why do some companies show no street address?
Because their own website publishes none. This guide states that plainly instead of copying an address from a directory, which may be outdated or belong to a different business with a similar name.
Why is there no fixed price in this guide?
Because none of the 20 companies publishes a fixed septic price on its own website. The only dollar figures found are ranges and discounts, quoted in the cost guide and labeled as such. A real price comes only after the system is seen and a written quote is given.
Which companies serve Shelter Island?
Only 2 of the 20 expressly name Shelter Island on their own lists: Quality Cesspool and Suffolk Septic Services. Other companies claim 'all of Suffolk County' in general without naming Shelter Island individually.
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Compare itemized quotes, not headline figures. System type, permits, scope, crew and restoration can all differ between quotes that look similar at first glance.
What is a service-area company?
A service-area company serves Suffolk County but publishes no street address on its own site. Those companies are marked as service-area companies in this guide.