Septic system service · Middletown, NY · reviewed since 2015
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%92+50.2Reliability 24%86+20.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty93−0.7Experts Score= 92Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.92SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#24 of 66 septic tank servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 65%
4.9★★★★★563 Google reviews · 23 photos
96%five-star reviews
4.88★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
100%reviews answered by the owner
$748typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Customers consistently praise the company for punctual arrivals, professional communication, and thorough explanations of septic and sewer line repairs. Staff members are frequently noted for their friendliness and ability to resolve issues efficiently. However, several low-star reviews highlight significant discrepancies between phone estimates and final bills, along with complaints regarding delayed response times for specific estimates and unusual payment requirements.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 563 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 563 Google reviews (421 with written comments, 18 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: Septic Tank Service serving Middletown, New York.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other septic tank services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
This companySeptic Tank Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.A
92
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
86
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
93
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 72.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
563 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars54296%
4 stars153%
3 stars10%
2 stars10%
1 star41%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 421 written reviews
98%praise
Praise93798%
Complaints162%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
97%fair
Great price1128%
Reasonable2768%
Overpriced13%
Not sure13%
$748+74% vs typical septic tank services
Middle half of what 32 customers paid ($479–$1.4k) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude23525%
Speed & response19821%
Would recommend15416%
Quality & results14715%
Communication9410%
Price & value788%
Honesty & trust475%
What customers talk about
We read 421 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Our technician Nick was very professional, respectful and informative.”
“We had a sewer Line back up Busy Bee arrived promptly and with a smile, great service highly recommended.”
“I would highly recommend Busy Bee Septic and Excavating.”
“From scheduling the appointment, to the actual work, to follow up paperwork assistance, CANNOT recommend Busy Bee highly enough!”
“Nick got the job done quick easy and professionally”
“He arrived within an hour with his 16-year-old son, spent about two hours fixing the problem, and somehow made a horrible situation almost entertaining.”
“Explained each step, and never treated me like a dumb girl.”
“There were no hidden fees or surprise, I knew exact pricing upfront before they began.”
“A bit pricey but their service was very good”
“The guys were reliable and came on time and there were no issues.”
People customers mention
Vinny30 reviews
Jason14 reviews
Dwayne12 reviews
Jamie10 reviews
Jorge8 reviews
Mark7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Busy Bee Septic and Excavating LLC for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JJohn2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 days ago★★★★★
We had a sewer Line back up Busy Bee arrived promptly and with a smile, great service highly recommended. They fixed the cause and effect of the problem immediately
Paid $1,200–1,400Great priceSewer cleaning
JJacyLocal Guide · 40 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
I would highly recommend Busy Bee Septic and Excavating. Everyone I have worked with/ talked to so far from Jamie who answered the phone when I called to Dwayne (technician) has been professional, friendly and a pleasure to work with. Dwayne brings the best attitude, explained everything thoroughly and made sure to…
Paid $800–1,000Reasonable priceService not listed
MMarigona7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
On time, described everything in detail, worked fast and did not leave a mess. Amazing will continue my service with them moving forward!
Paid $1,000–1,200Septic system installation
MM.8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We chose Busy Bee based on all the positive reviews we read.
They are very professional & fair.
I called & scheduled the appointment w/ Jamie who was very knowledgeable & pleasant.
Hector serviced our septic system, he was such a nice guy.
He showed up on time, friendly, professional & answered all of our questions.…
Paid $400–600Reasonable priceSewer cleaning
KKathy9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We always use Busy Bee. Very reasonably priced, always prompt and accommodating. Nick and Jorge did an excellent job. I am pleased as always.
Paid $400–600Great priceSewer cleaning
JJohn9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
The guys were reliable and came on time and there were no issues. I’m a First time septic owner and the guys were great. Jorge and nick were very knowledgeable, explained everything to me and showed me exactly where my tank cover was and showed me the whole process which was not long at all. Also Jaime from customer service was awesome with scheduling.
We had a sewer Line back up Busy Bee arrived promptly and with a smile, great service highly recommended. They fixed the cause and effect of the problem immediately
Price assessment: Great price
Price: $1,200–1,400
Services: Sewer cleaning
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you John. We were glad to be of assistance. Backed up sewer lines are never fun, but we try to make them more enjoyable!
L
Liz Clancy7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Liz has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Jason and Nicky were amazing! Professional, patient, thorough and didn't leave until my problem was resolved. Explained each step, and never treated me like a dumb girl. I would give 10 stars if I could. Randi in the office was patient, kind and got me help in a few hours. I am moved to tears because nobody would help me, and they came to my rescue! Highly recommend. Busy Bee, you have a new customer....thank you hardly seems enough!
UPDATE:
Charlie, Ben, Angelica and their supervisot came to fix an ongoing issue and they did an amazing job. Charlie explained every single step to me so I understood what was going on as this was a major project (to me). Again, never talked down to me, polite, professional, informative and kind. All of the team did an outstanding job and did not leave until my yard was out back together to my satisfaction. And Jamie in the office was patient and kind and helped schedule everything for me. 10 STARS!
UPDATE 10/1/26
Hector just came and pumped my tank for the season and had me test that everything was working correctly prior to leaving. He was friendly, professional, kind and explained everything to me. Another 10 Star Review! I cannot say enough about this company. Very rarely do you come across a company that makes you literally feel like part of the family and that they really care!!!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kelly! We're thrilled to hear that Jason, Nicky, and Randi were able to provide you with the support you needed. Our team's commitment to excellent service is something we take pride in, and it's wonderful to know we made a positive impact on your experience. We look forward to serving you in the future and appreciate your recommendation!
L
Lipa GLocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lipa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot say enough good things about this company!
From the moment I called, Jamie answered the phone with complete professionalism and kindness. She gave me absolute reassurance, telling me, "Don't worry, by the end of the day, your sewer will be back up and running. We're going to do everything possible." True to her word, a truck arrived within an hour.
Nicholas showed up and worked tirelessly to locate my septic tank, and Dwayne came out shortly after to assist. Once they located the tank, they showed me a full cost breakdown on their tablet before starting any of the actual work. There were no hidden fees or surprise, I knew exact pricing upfront before they began.
They found the tank, cleaned it thoroughly, and did a phenomenal job. They took the time to explain exactly what had happened, showed me where the damage was, and kept everything transparent.
The crew was incredibly hard-working, polite, and professional. I was so impressed that I called their boss, Vinny, just to tell him directly that he has some of the absolute best employees in the industry. Outstanding service from start to finish!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Sewer cleaning
Response from the owner · a week ago
We truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know how great your experience was. These are the phone calls we love to hear and share with the team in our weekly meetings. We strive to be the leader in our industry, and reviews like this make it possible for others to see why, thank you!
E
Erin B2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Erin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I would highly recommend Busy Bee Septic and Excavating. Everyone I have worked with/ talked to so far from Jamie who answered the phone when I called to Dwayne (technician) has been professional, friendly and a pleasure to work with. Dwayne brings the best attitude, explained everything thoroughly and made sure to answer any and all my questions. He also put me at ease when the drains that were previously draining slow decided to work when he was here, explaining that can happen and taking his time to diagnose and fix the problem. He also was able to find my septic tank and to explain a pipe that had been left with a car hood over it from a previous owner.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $800–1,000
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Jamie and Dwayne make a great team! Glad we were able to help you with your drain issues.
G
Gary Kaplan8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
