Home inspections are tailored to all different types of homes and the needs of the owner. From swimming pools to unfished basements, every home is different, and some require specialized inspections. If your home is in Massachusetts and has a septic tank, you’ll need a specialized inspection known as a Title V inspection (also known as a Title 5 Inspection). It’s important to understand how this inspection is different. Learn more about what to expect and what you need to know for a Title V inspection.
What is Title V?
A Title 5 inspection is imperative to home inspections that include a septic tank. Whether you are buying or selling your home, you must get it inspected. This inspection will take a thorough look at your septic tank and find any issues or stop any future problems from happening.
Do Your Homework First
Before choosing a company to conduct your Title V inspection, make sure they are certified by the state and experienced. If the company is not certified, then the inspection will not be valid, and you will have to spend more money and time to find another company. You also want to be sure that you schedule a septic tank pumping the day of the inspection to ensure a thorough inspection is done.
When is This Inspection Needed?
An inspection is needed anytime ownership of the property is transferred whether you are selling your home, new owners, or inheriting the property. There are some exceptions to the rule such as if you transfer your home to a commercial office space. When you make home improvements like adding bathrooms, showers, or bedrooms, you’ll need to have an inspection performed.
Who Performs the Inspection?
A certified Title 5 inspector that is licensed in the state of Massachusetts, or whichever state you are in. These professionals can also perform repairs that are necessary when it comes to upgrades, replacements, or repairs to keep up with compliance. The state of Massachusetts allows confidential voluntary assessments that the owner can get their septic tank inspected without having to submit any findings to the board of health.
What Happens in an Inspection?
The inspection includes looking at all parts of the septic system including the cesspool, leach field, distribution box, and septic tank itself. Also, they look for any failures in the hydraulics. Another place the inspector will check is your groundwater elevation.
What Happens if You Fail?
There are a few different reasons why your septic tank may fail an inspection. If you fail to get your septic tank pumped before the inspection this could be a major issue, the inspector will not be able to properly look at the area. If your septic tank is metal, if it is seeping into your home, or the leach field is over saturated. So, what happens if your septic tank fails?
- Make Plans for Repairs: Start looking to hire someone to conduct the repairs. You will have two years to complete the septic repairs.
- Report to the Board of Health: When the repairs are finished, you must contact the Board of Health so they can approve that your septic tank is properly fixed.
- Schedule Septic Pumping: You should get on top of making sure your septic tank is pumped regularly so scheduling appointments will benefit you in the long run.
Are you looking for a professional to conduct your next Title V inspection? Contact us at the Homeinex Corporation. We have been providing prompt and in-depth inspections in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island for over twenty-five years. You can trust our professionals to get the job done right.