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Thinking of buying a house in Suffolk that has a septic system or cesspool (not really sure which). I have learned this is very common in Suffolk County. I’ve always been in Nassau and has sewers. I’ve read you should not build or plant anything much over the area. Doesn’t this cause a good amount of property to essentially be off limits and wasted?
Also, why have the homeowners of Suffolk not demanded the towns convert to a sewer system? It’s not like Suffolk is a small town and cesspools seem so primitive.
It is best not to build over the septic in case you need to access it at some point (if it needs to be pumped out or replaced.) Much of Suffolk still does not have sewers (some areas do.) I think one of the major reasons is the cost to the homeowners, whose taxes are already high.
Massive corruption made sewers a political 3rd rail. No one would touch it. The federal government was kicking something like 75% of the cost. 35 years later, still cesspools!
You are correct, no super large bushes or trees by your cesspool.
FYI, sewer taxes at least in town of oyster bay are not that much, relatively speaking. Out of the 5.4k of town taxes paid this year, only $257 was for sewer.
FYI, sewer taxes at least in town of oyster bay are not that much, relatively speaking. Out of the 5.4k of town taxes paid this year, only $257 was for sewer.
I’m sure that’s to maintain. Building out would be much, much more expensive.
Thinking of buying a house in Suffolk that has a septic system or cesspool (not really sure which). I have learned this is very common in Suffolk County. I’ve always been in Nassau and has sewers. I’ve read you should not build or plant anything much over the area. Doesn’t this cause a good amount of property to essentially be off limits and wasted?
Also, why have the homeowners of Suffolk not demanded the towns convert to a sewer system? It’s not like Suffolk is a small town and cesspools seem so primitive.
First, Suffolk obviously is a lot of towns and villages. Each have their say. And corruption.
Second, there would have to be a lot of digging in very established areas. Very different than when you are building brand new subdivisions.
I would find out if it’s septic or cesspool, and if the house is 50+ years old I’d make sure if it’s a cesspool it is not the original block construction. If it is stacked block, get it replaced before you move in as it’ll likely not work well and be saturated from decades of use. Put in a septic tank that is sized for your home plus a bedroom or two.
In my case, the cesspools were in the back corner of my lot. When I replaced them with a septic tank and concrete cesspool overflows, I placed them in areas covered by grass. I would definitely NOT build or plant above them in case access is needed, which it will need from time to time.
I live in a high tax fancy pants part of Nassau. I have a cesspool. We don't even have freaking street lights in my neigborhood and my kids high tax kindergarten has no AC.
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