Do I need a permit to replace or repair a septic system in Washington County?+
Yes. The county's Sewage Disposal System Application covers new systems and "repair or replacement of an existing disposal system." It needs plans sealed by a New York State licensed design professional and a $100 non-refundable fee, and the county asks for two to four weeks of review. Nothing gets dug until the permit is issued. We'll walk you through it.
Who designs the system — you or an engineer?+
A licensed design professional (usually an engineer) designs and stamps it; that's the county's rule, not ours. We dig the test pits they need, build exactly what they drew, and handle the coordination so you're not the go-between.
What size septic tank does a house need in New York?+
State standards (10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A) set the minimum at 1,000 gallons for one to three bedrooms, 1,250 gallons for four, 1,500 for five and 1,750 for six. The design professional sizes the tank and the absorption field from the bedroom count and the soil test results.
My property is near Lake George. Does that change anything?+
It does. Systems within 500 feet of the lake (or 100 feet of a protected stream that feeds it) are on the Lake George Park Commission's mandatory five-year inspection cycle, and the Commission has its own design standards for replacements. Failing systems get six months to come into compliance. We build to those standards and can start as soon as your plan is approved.
Is there any money available to help pay for a replacement?+
Sometimes. The State Septic System Replacement Fund reimburses up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $10,000. Washington County currently lists Fort Ann, Fort Edward, Kingsbury, Argyle, Hartford, Dresden, Putnam, Easton, Greenwich and White Creek as eligible areas; Warren County runs a program for the Lake George basin and several other lakes. The county decides who qualifies — we'll tell you where to apply.
How long does a septic install take once the permit is in hand?+
Most residential installs are a few days of digging once we start, weather and ground permitting. The longer part is the front end: test pits, design and the county's review. We'll give you a real timeline at the quote, not a guess.
Do you pump septic tanks?+
No — we're the excavation side. If the tank just needs pumping, a hauler is the right call. If the hauler tells you the field is saturated, the tank is cracked, or the baffle is gone, that's where we come in.
How do I get a quote?+
Call or text (518) 409-6159, or use the contact page and pick "Septic." Tell us the address, what you're seeing, and whether there's an engineer involved yet. Site visits are free and usually within the week.
01 · Install
02 · Repair