Freqently Asked Questions

FAQ

1. Who needs a Title 5 Inspection?
   A Title 5 Inspection is only for property that has a septic system on-site.
   An inspection may be required if you are adding on additional living space and/or bedrooms.
   When buying or selling a home in Massachusetts, a Title 5 Inspection is typically required.
   There are a few exceptions when it comes to title transfers for immediate family, please call if you have questions.

2. How long of a guarantee does a passed Title 5 offer?
   A passed Title 5 is valid for 2 years.
   It is a snapshot at the moment of inspection, but does not have any knowledge of how long the system will be operational.
   Therefore, no guarantee is explicitly stated or implied.
   The reason for no guarantee is there are unknown factors that hurt the system like changes in water usage, items put down the drain, etc.

3. How often should my septic tank be pumped?
   When to pumping a tank is based on usage and volume of solids in the tank.
   A general rule is every 3 - 5 years.
   The more people living in the house means pumping needs to be done more often.
   You can schedule a maintenance check where I will give recommendations.

4. How often should my filter be cleaned?
   It is recommended to have the filter checked and cleaned at least once a year.
   Cleaning the filter will increase the longevity of the whole septic system.

5. How do I clean my filter?
   * Open the outlet side of the septic tank
   * Wear a rubber glove
   * Slowly pull the filter up and out of the PVC pipe
   * With low pressure from a garden hose rinse out the slots of the filter
   * Slowly put the filter all the way down into the PVC pipe
   * Cover the outlet side of the septic tank
   * Confirm the tank is secure from entry
   
   OR
   
   * Call me and schedule a maintenance check 

6. What should / shouldn't be put down the drain?
   Things that can be put down the drain include water, toilet paper,  and excrement.
   Everything else should be limited or excluded.
   Examples to exclude:
   Chlorine and Ammonia-based cleaners
   Feminine hygiene products
   Food
   Litter
   Backwash from a water softener
   Medicine
   Flushable wipes

7. Should I use septic additives like Rid-X?
   Septic additives are not required to get your system running properly.
   The enzymes contained in these additives are naturally occurring.
   As long as you don't put harsh chemicals down the drain that kill these natural enzymes, extra enzymes shouldn't be needed.
   If you do flush harsh chemicals the additional enzymes may also get killed.

8. How do I know what requirements towns have?
   Each Board of Health has a list of requirements.
   Also you can go to my Town Requirements page listed here.