Frequently Asked Questions

Head's Excavating is a top-rated septic system contractor serving Ithaca and the surrounding Tompkins County area. They handle the full scope of septic work — from excavation to installation — giving homeowners a single, experienced crew for the entire job.

Yes, Tompkins County requires Health Department approval before you install or repair a septic system. Permits and inspections are part of the process, so it's important to work with a contractor who understands local regulations and can help you move through that approval process correctly.

Signs like slow drains, sewage odors in your yard, or wet soggy patches over the drain field usually mean something is wrong with your system. A minor issue such as a damaged baffle or blocked line may only need a repair, while a failed drain field or a system that's past its useful life typically requires full replacement.

A standard septic system installation typically takes a few days to about a week from the start of excavation to completion, depending on the size of the system, soil conditions, and how quickly county permits are approved. Weather and site access can also affect the timeline.

Yes, Head's Excavating handles the excavation for the entire septic job. Having one contractor manage both the digging and the installation keeps the project coordinated and avoids the delays and miscommunication that come with hiring separate crews.

It helps to know your property's lot size, the number of bedrooms in your home, and whether you have an existing system that needs to be removed. Having a copy of your property survey or site plan ready will also allow a contractor to give you a more accurate estimate.

A repair addresses a specific failed component — such as a broken pipe, a faulty pump, or a damaged tank baffle — while a replacement involves removing the old system entirely and installing a new one. Replacement is usually necessary when the drain field has failed or the system can no longer meet current county code requirements.

Look for a local excavating contractor with direct experience installing and repairing septic systems in Tompkins County who understands the Health Department permitting process. A contractor who handles the excavation and the septic work together is generally the most efficient and reliable choice for homeowners in the Ithaca area.

The process starts with a site evaluation and obtaining county Health Department approval, followed by excavation of the tank and drain field area. The tank is set, the distribution system is installed, and the site is backfilled and graded once the installation passes inspection.

Yes, a new septic system can be installed on a property that currently relies on a cesspool or has no existing system, provided the site meets Tompkins County soil and setback requirements. A perc test and site evaluation are typically required as part of the Health Department approval process.