Septic & Title 5 questions

No. Swansea Septic is a referral service operated by Jeshurun & Co LLC. We do not perform septic work. We pass requests to independent septic providers that serve the area, when one is available. Providers set their own prices and schedules and contact you directly.

Title 5 is the part of the Massachusetts State Environmental Code that sets rules for private septic systems, including how they are designed, built, maintained and inspected.

In most cases, yes. Homes on a private septic system generally need a Title 5 inspection within two years before they are sold or transferred. Some transfers are exempt, such as residential transfers between spouses, between parents and children, or between full siblings.

An inspection must be done within two years before the transfer. A report up to three years old can be used if the system was pumped at least once a year and you have the records.

Only a System Inspector approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). A standard home inspector cannot do it unless they also hold that approval.

Title 5 rules say pumping is typically needed at least once every three years, and annual pumping is recommended for homes with a garbage disposal. Large households and small tanks may need more frequent pumping.

Slow drains, gurgling pipes, sewage odors, backups in the lowest drains, and soggy or unusually green grass over the leach field. Have a septic professional check the system; not every symptom means the system has failed.

In most instances it must be repaired or upgraded within two years, under a plan approved by the Board of Health. A conditional pass may need only one component fixed; a failure usually means replacing the leach field or the whole system.

Often, yes, but the failure must be addressed under Title 5. Buyers and sellers commonly negotiate a price reduction, money held in escrow for the repair, or completing the upgrade before closing. Talk to your real estate attorney.

They don't replace pumping. Regular pumping and keeping grease, wipes and harsh chemicals out of the drains are the reliable approach.

Yes. For the 2025 tax year, Massachusetts offers a personal income tax credit of 60% of the cost of repairing or replacing a failed system on a principal residence, up to $18,000 total and $4,000 per year. Communities in the state's Community Septic Management Program can also offer low-interest betterment loans. Check current details with a tax preparer and the Board of Health.

We accept requests from Swansea, Somerset, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Dighton, Fall River. Whether a provider can take a particular job depends on the provider.