Title V inspection for Massachusetts
508 202 3498
How do I get a title V inspection in Massachusetts? Just e-mail title5inspection@yahoo.com and we will call you to set up an appointment or answer any of your questions.
How much will it cost for the septic inspection? The average price is $450 The price depends on how much digging will be needed.
How long is the title five inspection good for? 2 years or 3 years with proof of annual pumping of septic tank.
What is included in the title V inspection? General layout of the system components location of the septic tank or cesspool, distribution box and leaching field. Analysis of the criteria specified in the title 5 that indicate system failure, and, for large systems, those which indicate threats to public health and or the environment. Water use records of the past 2 years if available.
Where are inspection results sent? The completed inspection form must be submitted within 30 days of the inspection, in most cases to the local board of health. Inspection forms for state and federal facilities must be sent to DEP and the local board of health get copies of the inspection form for large systems and shared systems.
I am selling my home do I need a title V inspection? Yes
If my septic system fails could I still sell my home? Yes, If the buyer does not borrow money from a bank. Banks will not give a loan to a home buyer if the system fails.
Are there tips on how I can have a better chance of passing? Yes, don't use bleach when washing clothes or pour bleach down the drain. As this will kill good bacteria. Have a seprate drain for your washing machine. Don't use powdered washing detergent. You could have your system "jet machine" cleaned. You could have good bacteria added to your system which will eat away at any build up. Avoid house parties and company right before an inspection. Avoid long showers. Fix any leaking faucets and running toilets. Use less water per flush. Use less water overall. Avoid any rain fall from getting into your system, through covers. Don't grow trees or large bushes above your system as roots will damage and clog your system. Ventalate your system. Keep your grade pitched so that water does not sit above the system. Have your septic tank pumped regularly, every 3-5 years. Have your D-Box cleaned and pumped along with the tank. Give your system a break and go on vacation. Don't use a garbage disposal, remove it if you have one. Don't water your lawn where the leaching system would be. Don't have the inspection done if the there had been heavy rain for several days. Don't have the title 5 inspection done if there may be large amounts of snow melting. The area where the system and leaching field may be should be open and sunny, too many trees fences could keep the area wet. If you know you have a problem, for example there is a pool of water or strong order from your system, try to get it fixed first before the title V inspection. You could have your system snaked, which can cut any roots that have clogged your system, and would speed up the flow. You can get a infrared film of your system which is a infrared camera attached to the end of the snake, seeing the inside of the pipes can reveal a reason for backed up septic system. If you have a slow drain get it fixed. Don't drive a car over your system. Keep drain pipes away from the system.
Can I hire someone prior to the title V inspection to help it pass? Yes, you can hire someone to consult you and help your system pass using bacteria injected into your system. Just e-mail here title5inspection@yahoo.com
Is an inspection required for new construction? No
What if the weather stops me from having a title 5 inspection can I still sell my home? Yes, if it is in the middle of a bad winter Title 5 regulations allow the inspection to be done up to six months afterwards, provided the seller notifies the buyer in writing of the need to complete the inspection.
Do condominiums need a septic inspection too? Yes, Condominiums with five or more units must be inspected once every three years. Those with four or fewer units must be inspected every three years, or within two years prior to the sale of one of the units.
Are State and Federal facilities inspected too? Yes, Title V inspections applies to state and federal facilities as well as homes and businesses. DEP is the approving authority for state and federal facilities, so the septic inspection forms are submitted to the DEP.
Does the buyer of the property receive a copy of the septic inspection? Yes they do, it is required by law.
Can I have just a general septic inspection without commiting to the Title V procedures? Yes, You can have a general inspection, if you choose the Title 5 inspection the inspector must file a report of his findings.
If the property is located in two states, with the house in one but the septic in another state, which state has jurisdiction over the system? The state where the septic system is located has jurisdiction and the owner must follow the regulations for that state. For example, if the septic system is located in New York, but the house is in Massachusetts, you are subject to New York's laws and regulations.
When are Title 5 inspections NOT required? When the septic system had been inspected within three years and you have proof that the septic system had been pumped each year since the last inspection. If your home is connected to the town sewage. When the title of the house is transferred to a spouse or placed in a family trust. If you had a title 5 inspection done within 2 years ( no need for proof of pumping). When a mortgage is refinanced.
When are title V inspections required? Before you sell your home. When you inherit a house. If the property goes from residential use to business use. Sometimes when you have an addition to your home. Adding a bathroom or shower to your home would make the title five inspections required.
If my septic system fails do I have to fix it? Yes you are required to fix it or replace it within 2 years. Even if you decide not to sell it.
Does my yard have to be dug up to get the inspection? Yes the location of the septic tank, distribution box, and or cesspools must be determined. But leaching fields are not usually required to be dug up.
When would a system qualify for a conditional pass? A system with specific components that need repair or replacement would qualify for a conditional pass. Examples of system components eligible for a conditional pass include a metal or cracked septic tank, broken or obstructed pipe, or an uneven distribution box. When the system component has been repaired or replaced, the board of health must issue a certificate of compliance confirming that the corrective work has been done.
What if the home passed inspection and 5 months later the septic system has major problems? If the home passed inspection and the new home owners find problems shortly after there is no recourse to take on the inspector or old home owners. The title five inspection is only for the time it had been tested there are no guarantees of the system.
On a recent septic inspection my septic system did not pass the inspection. In addition, I have a separate drain for my washing machine. The inspector told me that I must tie this drain into my septic system. Is this necessary? No, title 5 regulations do not specifically require the tie in of the separate laundry discharge as long as the discharge is inspected and passes title 5 inspection. Contact your local board of health.
Do I have to do what the septic inspector says? No, not necessarily if you have any questions concerning the inspectors demands just call your local board of health for clarification.
How much would it cost to replace a new septic system? The cost would be from $10,000. to $25,000.
Why is there a title five inspection? Title five inspections started by the Government to protect lakes rivers and the environment. The requirements began on March 31, 1995.
Who is allowed to perform Title 5 inspections? Only inspectors and soil evaluators approved under the regulations can perform required system inspections and soil tests.
How do I find an approved title five inspector? E-mail your name and phone number to title5inspection@yahoo
Is there any state financial assistance available to homeowners faced with the financial burden of replacing or upgrading their septic system? Yes, There is a tax credit equal up to 40% of the cost or repair of the system maximum of $6,000. Contact your accountant for details. Also there is additional financial assistance with low interest loans from the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency and Rural Economic Development Service Loan Program. Contact your local Board of Health for further information.
If I buy a home is the title V certificate that the seller got still good if I decide to sell the home within three years? Yes, the title five certificate is transferable to the new buyer, you will not need to get another title five inspection if you decide to sell, remember you must pump the septic tank every year and keep the paper work for proof.
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency 1 beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 854-1000
What does a Title 5 inspection form look like? click here
If you have any questions or comments on this web site please e-mail us and let us know how we can improve this site or if you need an answer to a question not listed please send it and we will reply quickly. title5inspection@yahoo.com
Septic Tank Good Bacteria Title 5 inspection about
CopyRight