Septic Tank Pumping in Huntington’s Historic Districts: Special Considerations for Older Home Systems

Preserving History While Protecting Your Home: The Unique Challenges of Septic Systems in Huntington’s Historic Districts

Huntington, New York, established in 1653, stands as a testament to Long Island’s rich historical heritage. The Town of Huntington was founded in 1653 and is rich in historical, architectural and cultural resources. From the Cold Spring Harbor section to numerous designated historic landmarks scattered throughout the town, these properties offer charm and character that modern homes simply cannot replicate. However, owning a home in one of Huntington’s historic districts comes with unique responsibilities—especially when it comes to septic system maintenance and pumping.

The Reality of Septic Systems in Huntington

Huntington does not have a comprehensive sewer system. The town relies on private septic systems for disposing of wastewater. While there are some sewer districts in the town, such as the Huntington Sewer District, which serves parts of the village of Huntington, the majority of historic properties depend on individual septic systems that may be decades old.

This reliance on septic systems becomes particularly significant when you consider that septic systems need to be pumped approximately every three to five years depending on the household’s size and usage of water. For historic properties, this maintenance schedule becomes even more critical due to the age and construction methods of older systems.

Special Considerations for Historic Property Septic Systems

Historic homes present unique challenges that modern properties don’t face. Very often, older houses employ converted cesspools or seepage pits that have been closed off to become septic tanks. Made of ceramic pipes or concrete blocks, these can easily crack or deteriorate over the years. Additionally, earlier septic tanks and distribution boxes were often steel or concrete, which can rust and crack. Pipes were usually made of ceramics or tar paper composite, which last 20 to 30 years with proper use.

One of the most pressing concerns for historic property owners is simply locating their septic system. Many homeowners—particularly those that live in older houses—are not sure where their tank and field are buried in relation to the house. It is most important that you locate the tank because eventually it will need service.

Regulatory Compliance and Historic Preservation

Properties within Huntington’s historic districts must navigate a complex web of regulations. The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with the rules and regulations of the New York State Health Department and SCDHS. However, historic property owners face additional constraints when it comes to modifications or replacements.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic properties allow for the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional within preservation projects. This means that while septic system maintenance and upgrades are permissible, they must be done in a way that preserves the historic character of the property.

Modern Regulatory Changes Affecting Historic Properties

Recent changes in Suffolk County regulations have significant implications for historic property owners. On July 1, 2019, Suffolk County Department of Health Services implemented a change in the way homeowners are now permitted to replace their old cesspools. Prior to this new legislation, homeowners could replace a failing cesspool with a like-kind cesspool system. The new law now states that a failing cesspool must be replaced with a new system.

This regulatory shift is particularly important because the functioning difference between a septic system and a cesspool system is that a septic tank system processes and treats the waste water before releasing it back into the environment. A cesspool system does not treat the waste water before releasing back it into the environment.

Professional Septic Tank Pumping Services in Huntington

Given these unique challenges, historic property owners need experienced professionals who understand both modern septic requirements and the sensitivities of working with historic properties. For reliable Septic tank pumping huntington services, Quality Cesspool has been serving the Long Island community for nearly two decades.

Quality Cesspool has been family-owned and operated for four generations, delivering dependable cesspool and septic system services that homeowners and businesses rely on. Our history is built on trust, and we strive to uphold this legacy with every job. This generational experience proves invaluable when working with historic properties that may have unique system configurations or access challenges.

The Quality Cesspool Approach to Historic Properties

Quality Cesspool starts with a thorough assessment of your needs, offering expert advice and free estimates. Our skilled technicians perform the necessary services using the latest techniques and equipment. We ensure satisfaction with a comprehensive follow-up to address any further needs or questions.

For historic property owners, this comprehensive approach is essential. Most systems require cesspool pumping every 2-3 years, but this can vary based on household size, water usage, and tank capacity in Huntington. Slow drains, gurgling pipes, sewage odors, or wet spots in your yard near the cesspool are common indicators that you need a cesspool pump out.

Maintenance Tips for Historic Property Owners

As with so many parts of an old house, an ounce of prevention in septic systems is worth a pound of cure. Historic property owners should be particularly vigilant about:

Financial Assistance and Support

Recognizing the financial burden that septic system upgrades can place on homeowners, the Town of Huntington, in cooperation with Suffolk County Department of Health Services, would like to encourage eligible Huntington residents to apply for a grant through the County’s new Septic Improvement Program. Grant funding, of up to $10,000, will be provided toward the purchase and installation of Suffolk County Department of Health Services approved Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.

Conclusion

Owning a historic property in Huntington comes with the privilege of preserving a piece of Long Island’s heritage, but it also requires careful attention to infrastructure needs like septic system maintenance. Customer satisfaction drives everything Quality Cesspool does. From the moment you call us to the post-service follow-up, we ensure that your experience is seamless and stress-free. Our transparent pricing, prompt responses, and professional demeanor have helped us build a robust client base that values our commitment to quality and integrity.

By working with experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements of modern septic systems and the unique considerations of historic properties, homeowners can ensure their septic systems function properly while preserving the character and value of their historic homes. Regular maintenance, professional pumping services, and staying informed about regulatory changes will help protect both your investment and Huntington’s historic legacy for future generations.