So you just found out there’s a cesspool on your Long Island property or in that house you want to buy. You’re probably wondering, “Are cesspools legal in Long Island?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Long Island Cesspool Situation
Let’s face it – Long Island has a lot of cesspools. They were the standard waste disposal method for decades, especially in older communities across both counties. Many homes built before the 1970s still have them operating today.
A cesspool is basically a pit lined with concrete, brick, or stone that collects household waste. Unlike modern septic systems, cesspools don’t separate or treat waste – they just hold it while allowing liquids to seep into the surrounding soil.
Are Cesspools Legal on Long Island Today?
Here’s the straight answer: existing cesspools are generally allowed to remain in operation on Long Island, but with some important exceptions and changes coming.
Suffolk County has implemented stricter cesspool regulations in recent years. Their Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan requires:
- No new cesspools can be installed
- When an existing cesspool fails, it must be replaced with a modern septic system
- Properties within designated high-priority areas near shorelines may face earlier mandatory upgrade requirements
- Any property transfer in certain areas may trigger required upgrades
Nassau County has similar restrictions on new cesspools, though their replacement requirements aren’t quite as aggressive as Suffolk’s yet.
Buying a Long Island House with a Cesspool
If you’re house hunting across Long Island, here’s what you need to know about properties with cesspools:
- Get a specialized inspection: Don’t rely on just the standard home inspection. At Jet Cesspool Service, we provide thorough cesspool inspections across Long Island to determine the system’s condition and compliance with local codes.
- Know your neighborhood regulations: Requirements vary between North Shore and South Shore communities, and especially between Nassau and Suffolk counties. We’re familiar with all local cesspool regulations and can tell you exactly what applies to your potential new home.
- Budget accordingly: If you’re buying in certain parts of Suffolk County, you might need to upgrade soon after purchase. In other areas, you might have years before any required changes.
- Factor in Long Island’s unique soil conditions: Our sandy soil affects how cesspools perform and how long they last. What works upstate doesn’t apply here.
Already Own a Long Island Home with a Cesspool?
Many Long Islanders discover they have a cesspool only when problems arise. Watch for these warning signs:
- Slow drains throughout your house
- Sewage odors in your yard
- Unusually soggy areas on your lawn
- Backups during heavy rain (common on Long Island!)
When these issues happen, it’s time to call a local expert. At Jet Cesspool Service, we’ve been serving Long Island homeowners for years and understand the unique challenges of our local soil and water table conditions.
Should I Convert From Cesspool to Septic on Long Island?
There’s no law forcing you to immediately replace your existing cesspool on Long Island if it’s functioning properly. However, Long Island is pushing homeowners toward modern septic systems to protect our drinking water and coastal environments.
Why consider converting?
- It protects our aquifers and beaches from contamination
- You’ll avoid future mandatory upgrades when regulations tighten
- Septic systems need less maintenance than cesspools
- It increases your property value
While conversion costs typically run $15,000-$30,000, Long Island offers grants that can cover much of this expense. At Jet Cesspool Service, we help homeowners navigate these applications and install systems that meet all local requirements.