New conventional, mound, and engineered septic systems for residential and commercial properties. NYSDOH Appendix 75-A compliant. Soil testing and design coordinated, permits handled, system installed and inspected. One contractor from perc test to working system.
Real reply in hours, not days.
Backwell has installed new septic systems across Central New York since 2007. Concrete tank sets, leach field construction, engineered systems for tight sites, mound systems for high water tables, pressure distribution, and full pump-and-disposal layouts , every installation is built to NYS Department of Health Appendix 75-A standards and inspected by the local county health department before backfill.
If you're building new construction, replacing a failed system, or moving from a cesspool to a code-compliant system, call (315) 400-2737 for a free written estimate. We serve Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Oneida, Cayuga, Cortland, Wayne, and Jefferson counties.
A complete septic installation is more than dropping a tank in the ground. The full scope:
NYS Department of Health Appendix 75-A requires minimum tank sizes based on bedroom count:
Commercial flows are calculated separately based on use type (restaurant, office, retail, mixed-use) per Appendix 75-A Table 1.
We install tanks from 1,000 gallon residential to 5,000+ gallon commercial multi-tank systems for restaurants, offices, and mixed-use buildings.
Cost varies based on site conditions, system type, soil percolation, and access. Honest CNY ranges based on what Backwell installs:
Cost drivers:
What's included in our estimate:
What's typically not included:
Ron Starusnak owns and operates Backwell. When you call (315) 400-2737, you're talking to the person responsible for your installation. No call centers, no estimating departments , direct contact with the owner.
We design and install to current NY State Department of Health Appendix 75-A standards. We work directly with the Onondaga County Department of Health, Madison County Department of Health, Oneida County Health Department, Oswego County Health Department, Cayuga County Health Department, Cortland County Health Department, and Jefferson County Public Health Service , we know each county's review process and inspector requirements.
Backwell self-performs every step: site evaluation, excavation, tank set, D-box, leach field, backfill, grading, seeding. No subcontracted excavation crew, no separate plumbing sub. One contractor, one accountability chain, one crew on your property.
We install concrete septic tanks as our standard because they last 40+ years in CNY soils, hold up to high water tables, and meet structural requirements for vehicle traffic if drives or parking ever cross. Plastic tanks installed when soil/access conditions favor them.
We come to your property, evaluate the site, discuss options, and provide a free written estimate. No surprise pricing, no hidden charges. Estimates include everything in the scope so you can compare apples-to-apples to other quotes.
Fully insured ($2M general liability), workers' compensation, vehicle insurance. ISNetworld member, OSHA 30 certified, NYSDEC SWPPP compliant.
Backwell is a federally-designated Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), with NY MWBE certification in process. Important for commercial / public projects with diversity contracting goals.
Total typical timeline: 8–12 weeks from initial call to final closeout (faster if county permitting is uncomplicated, slower if engineering review or NYSDOH variance is required).
Conventional 3–4 bedroom residential systems run $9,000–$18,000 in CNY. Pressure distribution systems $15,000–$25,000. Raised mound systems $20,000–$35,000. Engineered / aerobic systems $25,000–$45,000+. Commercial systems vary widely based on flow rate and use type.
Once the permit is issued, the construction phase is 2–3 days for a residential conventional system. Larger or engineered systems can run 4–6 days. The full timeline from initial call to final closeout, including site evaluation, soil testing, design, and county permit review, is typically 8–12 weeks.
Yes. Every new septic system in NY State requires a permit from the county health department. Replacement of failed systems also requires a permit. Backwell handles permit submission as part of every installation.
NYS minimum requirements: 1,000 gallons for 1–3 bedroom homes, 1,250 gallons for 4 bedrooms, 1,500 gallons for 5 bedrooms. Commercial flows are calculated by use type. Two-compartment tanks add 250 gallons to minimum sizes and provide better treatment.
Concrete tanks are heavier, more durable, and rated for vehicle traffic. They last 40+ years in CNY conditions. Plastic tanks are lighter (easier to install in tight access sites) and corrosion-resistant but can float if water table rises and aren't rated for vehicle traffic. Backwell installs concrete as standard.
A percolation test measures how fast water drains through your soil. NY DOH requires perc testing for any new septic installation. Test holes are dug, pre-soaked, and water drainage is measured. Results determine the size and type of leach field your site requires.
No. NY State requires septic installations to be performed by a licensed contractor and inspected by the county health department before backfill. Self-installation isn't legal and isn't insurable.
A properly installed and maintained septic system lasts 25–40 years. Concrete tanks often outlast the leach field. Lifespan depends on system design, soil conditions, water use, what's flushed (avoid flushable wipes, grease, harsh chemicals), and pumping frequency (every 3–5 years recommended).
We work with several local lenders for septic financing. Septic system replacement financing is available through home improvement loan programs and HELOC products. Ask Ron during your estimate.
We coordinate with licensed NYS Professional Engineers for engineered designs. PE engineering fees are quoted separately from the installation. We handle all coordination so you have one point of contact through the project.
Cesspools are no longer code-compliant for new installation in NY State. Existing cesspools must be replaced when the property sells or the system fails. Backwell handles cesspool-to-septic upgrades , we abandon the cesspool per NY DOH requirements and install a code-compliant septic system. Typical cost $9,000–$18,000.
1-year workmanship warranty on all installation labor. Tank manufacturer warranty (typically 2–10 years depending on tank brand) on concrete tanks. We address any installation issues at no charge during the warranty period.
Last updated: April 2026
Get a free estimate: Call (315) 400-2737 or request an estimate online.
New septic systems, leach field installs, and full replacements across CNY. Conventional gravity, pressure distribution, raised mound, and chamber designs. Cat excavators, dump trucks, and laser grading equipment owned in-house, not rented.
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New install, replacement, leach field, or failing system. Same week site visits across CNY. Responds personally, usually within a few hours.
After Backwell completes site work on a commercial development or multi-family project, owners often need property management. RenPro Commercial Property Management is our sister company in Syracuse handling office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use buildings. Property managers can also try our software at RenPro.com. See our full network.