The average cost of a Title 5 inspection is between $299 and $500. In Massachusetts, you may need a Title 5 inspection before you can close the sale on your property.
Title 5 inspections are a type of septic inspection required on homes in Massachusetts that have their own septic systems. Title 5 inspections—which pull their colloquial name from the section of Massachusetts’ legal code that regulates sewer and septic systems—ensure that a home’s septic system is up to code and helps protect fragile coastal waterways from unnecessary pollution.
In most cases, Massachusetts homeowners pass Title 5 inspections without a hitch. But if you’re new to the world of Title 5 inspections and don’t know what you need to prepare, don’t sweat it—Jerry
, the super app homeowners trust
to save them time and money, has got your back. We’ll be going over the basics of a Title 5 inspection, from what it costs to what it includes, and whether or not septic repairs are covered under your home insurance
policy. How much does a Title 5 inspection cost?
The average cost of a Title 5 inspection is between $299 and $500, but in reality, the price you pay can range anywhere from $100 to $900 or more.
That’s partly because Title 5 inspections are far from a uniform experience. While the overarching point of a Title 5 inspection is to assess the quality and condition of your home’s septic tank and related equipment, your inspector will take into consideration personalized specs, such as your home’s age and history, the size of your household, and specific concerns (e.g.: expected annual water usage) throughout the evaluation.
Additionally, the cost of a Title 5 inspection will not include the cost of any necessary repairs. The goal of the inspection is simply to determine whether or not your septic system is in line with the state’s regulations, and what (if any) repairs are needed.
What does a Title 5 inspection include?
Title 5 inspections are personalized based on the specific qualities of your home. But, generally speaking, each one covers the same basic ground: an inspector will take a close look at your septic tank, distribution box, and drain field bed, as well as ensure the household’s plumbing is functioning as intended and review the permit.
To do this, the inspector will perform a variety of tests, such as:
Running a full cycle on your washing machine
Inspecting the septic tank for cracks, leaks, or dirty components
Digging “test pits” in your yard/drain field to check on the system’s drainage
Following your inspection, you will receive a grade of “pass,” “fail,” or “conditionally pass,” which indicates you can pass the Title 5 inspection by making some essential repairs. Your inspector will have notes and recommendations regarding the health and quality of your septic tank and its associated parts.
Once you’ve secured a passing grade, your Title 5 inspection remains good for two years.
If, however, you make sure to have your septic tank pumped each year by the date of your initial Title 5 inspection, the lifespan of your passing grade is extended an extra year (making it good for three years total).
Do I need a Title 5 inspection?
Many states require septic system inspections of some kind in certain circumstances—but Title 5 inspections are specific to Massachusetts
residents. That’s because damaged or malfunctioning sewer systems are a leading cause of coastal water pollution across the state. Given the economical and ecological importance of places like charming Cape Cod and the famous Boston Harbor, the state government made the decision nearly 3 decades ago to impose more stringent regulations on homes that remain disconnected from main sewer lines.
The good news is, most residents are eligible for a tax credit of up to 40% off if necessary repair costs to the septic system reach or exceed $15,000.
When is a Title 5 inspection required?
Title 5 inspections are a specific type of home inspection required of some Massachusetts residents. If you’re a Massachusetts homeowner with a household that has its own septic system, you’re required to obtain a Title 5 inspection in the following circumstances:
Prior to the sale or transfer of title of the property
If the property use has changed (e.g. residential to commercial)
If you are seeking a building or occupancy permit
If the property is expanded
If the home is foreclosed on
In the event of bankruptcy or tax sale
Is a Title 5 inspection included in a home inspection?
Most basic home inspections don’t include Title 5 septic inspections, meaning you’ll have to schedule one separately.
If you’re seeking a Title 5 inspection with the intent to sell your home, be sure to wait until after you’ve secured a passing grade to list—buyers will prefer homes that can have proof of a passing grade ready and have an easier time getting a mortgage loan with the Title 5 results in-hand.
Signs of trouble in your septic system
If you suspect septic trouble (or just like to do your due diligence in your home) keep an eye out for these signs that something could be wrong:
Slow drainage from sinks and toilets
Frequent backups in toilets or sinks
Unpleasant odors in bathrooms, near drains, or around your septic drain field
Gurgling or water sounds coming from pipes or plumbing
Standing water or unusual growth (e.g. very lush grass) in your drain field
Septic system maintenance tips
A Title 5 inspection can uncover hidden problems with your home’s septic system—but the goal is ultimately to pass, and part of reaching that goal will require regular septic maintenance and upkeep between inspection years. Here are some tips to help keep your septic system healthy and retain your passing grade:
Limit your home’s water use by installing low-flow showerheads and toilets
Keep food waste and paper towels out of your septic system (don’t flush anything that’s not toilet paper!)
Don’t cover up your drain field—and don’t plant anything but grass
MORE: Homeowners insurance in Massachusetts
Hiring a Title 5 inspector in Massachusetts
Title 5 inspectors are licensed professionals familiar with the ins and outs of Massachusetts state codes and regulations. You won’t be able to hire a regular home inspector to perform the same job—but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Here are some of the top-rated Title 5 inspectors in the state:
Title 5 Specialists
: From North Shore to South Shore, Cape Cod to Metro West, the Title 5 specialists can give you an honest overview of your home’s septic system, and get your results in your hand on the same day as the inspection. JPC Septic and Title 5 Inspection
: Specializing in both inspections and septic installation, this company may be the best choice if you know you’ll likely need some repairs and are looking to work with one brand start-to-finish—and they service all of Massachusetts. All Clear Septic and Wastewater Services
: An environmentally-conscious, fully-licensed provider that offers Title 5 inspection price estimates right on their website. Campano Title V Inspectors
: With nearly 30 years of experience under their belt, the septic professionals at Campano can inspect and care for your septic and drainage systems in Central Massachusetts.
You can also find a licensed Title 5 inspector in your area using the NEIWPCC’s online tool
. How to save on homeowners insurance
If your Title 5 inspection has revealed a need for repairs, you may be asking yourself: will any of this be covered by my home insurance policy?
Generally speaking, septic tanks and systems usually fall within the category of “other structures” included as part of your homeowners’ insurance. Most policies will extend a small portion of your dwelling insurance (typically up to ten percent) to help cover the costs of repairs to other structures—but that’s only if the damage was caused by a peril included in your policy.
If you’re looking to extend your homeowners’ insurance coverage
or make the switch to a cheaper policy, look no further than Jerry
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