Title V Inspections

MA State Licensed & Fully Insured

Since 1995, Massachusetts has required businesses & homeowners to have their sewage treatment systems (i.e. septic system or cesspool) checked thoroughly by a State-Certified Title 5 Inspector when:

 "Properties are sold, divided or combined, when there is a change in use, or an expansion of a facility, or when MassDEP or the local Board of Health requires an inspection."

 There are also a few other instances when a Title 5 Inspection is required - so be sure to contact your local Board of Health if you’re unsure. Or just give us a call at (781) 293-8600!

When Specifically is a Septic System “Title V” Inspection Required?

  • Within 2 years prior to sale of property. If weather conditions prevent inspection at the time of a sale, inspection must take place within 6 months after sale.
  • When there is a proposed change to facility which requires a building or occupancy permit. This does not mean an inspection is required every time a building permit is needed – only when the use of the facility changes (e.g., from residential to commercial) or when a facility expands (for example, adding a bedroom, enlarging the square footage of an office building, or adding seats to a restaurant).
  • Unless official records showing location of system components are available, any change in the footprint of a building also requires an inspection. This is to make sure the new building construction will not take place on top of any system components or on the system’s reserve area.
  • For large systems with a design flow of 10,000 to 15,000 gallons per day or more at full build-out, on the basin schedule shown in 310 CMR 15.301(6), and every five years thereafter.
  • Every 3 years for shared systems.
  • When the property is divided, or ownership of 2 or more properties is combined.
  • When MassDEP or the local Board of Health orders an inspection.
Title V Inspection: Marshfield, Duxbury, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Kingston, East Bridgewater, Hanson, Carver, Halifax, Hanover, Abington

All A.E. Wood Corp Septic Inspections include:

  1. Interview with property owner, either in-person or by phone.
  2. Research any previous plans & permits for your property on file at your city’s Board of Health Department
  3. Survey the general size of the building and list a summary of the number of bedrooms
  4. Locate your system and unearth surrounding area as necessary for inspection
  5. Assess overall system functionality
  6. Inspect the inlet/outlet of the septic tank
  7. Examine the structural integrity of the tank
  8. Measure the liquid/contents of the tank
  9. Examine the functional integrity of the distribution box
  10. Check soil absorption system (SAS) condition
  11. Check the relation of the water table to the SAS
  12. Provide written document to the local approving authority as well as the owner, including all findings and a detailed sketch of the system
  13. Written proof of successful inspection if passed
  14. Step-by-step action plan if failed.
A.E. Wood Corp provides septic inspections in the following MA towns: Abington, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, & Plympton. If you require a Title 5 Septic Inspection or if you have any questions, please call us today at (781) 293-8600 or email us at AEWoodCorp@Gmail.com

All A.E. Wood Corp Estimates for Service are Always FREE!

How Long Is My Inspection Good For?

  • Inspections in connection with a property sale generally are good for 2 years. 
  • If a facility is sold more than once in the 2-year period, the single inspection is valid for all property transfers.
  • If a system is pumped annually and pumping records are kept, an inspection is valid for 3 years.


To learn more about septic system requirements when buying or selling a property in Massachusetts, please visit:

https://www.mass.gov/guides/buying-or-selling-property-with-a-septic-system


For more information on the Massachusetts Title V Requirement, please visit:

https://www.mass.gov/septic-systems-title-5


 Recent Projects by A.E. Wood Corp

Title 5 Inspection: Marshfield, Duxbury, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Kingston, East Bridgewater, Hanson, Carver, Halifax, Hanover, Abington

Septic System Installation

New septic system system installation in Hanover, MA.