Live in Massachusetts? You Need to Know About Title 5 Septic Inspections

Proper wastewater disposal can affect the health of your family and neighbors, but because septic systems are buried underground, it's easy to forget about them until they fail. Recognizing how important septic systems are to public health, Massachusetts enacted Title 5, which governs private wastewater disposal systems.

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If you own a home in the Bay State, here’s what you should know about Title 5 inspections for your septic system.

What Is a Title 5 Inspection?

Title 5 of the State Environmental Code of Massachusetts defines the regulations governing the placement, construction, installation and maintenance of private wastewater disposal systems, such as septic tanks and cesspools.

Under Title 5, the state requires homeowners or other relevant parties to get their septic systems inspected at designated times, such as:

• Before they buy, sell or transfer a property

• When an heir inherits property

• When they renovate or enlarge a home or otherwise change the structure's footprint

• During a foreclosure or tax sale

• When the intended use of a property changes

These comprehensive inspections determine whether a septic system complies with Title 5 regulations so that wastewater doesn't contaminate soil and/or groundwater. They're overseen by the local Board of Health in your area.

What’s Included in a Title 5 Inspection?

During a Title 5 inspection, a state-licensed inspector thoroughly examines your septic system’s components. This typically begins with a review of the system's history, relevant permits, the size of the household it serves and the anticipated water usage of the home.

The inspector then performs a physical examination of the system's components, which may include the tank, distribution box, drainfield bed and any visible pipes. They look for cracks or leaks in the tank and check that mechanical equipment is functioning properly. In some cases, your septic tank or cesspool may need to be pumped before or during the inspection.

As part of the physical inspection, the evaluator may turn on faucets, flush toilets and run the washing machine to check for problems with wastewater flow. An inspector may also dig test pits in your yard to check for drainage inconsistencies, standing water or unusual growth. However, most inspections cause minimal disruption to your home and property.

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Is Massachusetts the Only State That Requires Title 5 Inspections?

Title 5 is unique to Massachusetts. However, many states require a septic system inspection during the home-buying process and other real estate transactions. Check with your local health department for more information about guidelines in your state.

Will My Septic System Pass a Title 5 Inspection?

To pass the Title 5 inspection, a septic system can't exhibit signs of failure or unsafe conditions, such as:

• Sewage backup

• Stains that suggest prior backups

• Unwanted wastewater pooling

• Blocked pipes

• Clogged filters

• Missing baffles or tees

• Abnormal scum or sludge levels

• Collapsed structures

• Cracks in the tank

• Lack of separation between the leach field and groundwater

However, some problems, such as minor cracks, may result in a conditional pass, which allows the homeowner time to fix the problem.

How Long Do Title 5 Inspections Take?

In most cases, Title 5 inspections can be completed during a single day. However, there are ways to expedite the process, such as:

• Locating your septic system

• Gathering relevant records, such as permits, inspection documents, pumping documentation and water usage reports from your local Board of Health

• Having your septic tank or cesspool pumped

How Long Is a Title 5 Inspection Good For?

A Title 5 inspection certificate is valid for two years. However, if the septic system is pumped annually and there's documentation to support that, the certificate is valid for three years.

Who Does Title 5 Inspections?

Title 5 inspections must be done by state-licensed evaluators, which can include professional engineers or certified health officers. You can find a list of approved inspectors online at The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, or you can call the Title 5 hotline at 1-800-266-1122.

How Much Does a Title 5 Inspection Cost?

Massachusetts doesn’t regulate the price of Title 5 inspections, so costs can vary depending on the size of the system. However, homeowners can typically expect to pay between $300 and $500 (CAD 413 and CAD 689). If pumping is required, that can cost an additional $400 (CAD 551) on average.

Failed a Title 5 Inspection? Here's What to Know

If your septic system fails the inspection, it must be reported via a MassDEP-approved inspection form to the local Board of Health within 30 days. You’ll then have to repair, upgrade or replace the system so that it complies with Title 5 inspection requirements. This work must be done within two years. However, in special circumstances, the state may grant the homeowner additional time to complete the work as long as interim measures to mitigate environmental problems are put in place.