At a glance
| Who regulates | Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater program and your local plumbing inspector |
|---|---|
| Inspection when a home is sold | Required in some areas. Required for property in shoreland areas (Title 38, §435). Outside shoreland areas we found no statewide requirement. |
Septic tank size in Maine
Septic systems are designed under the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules (10-144 CMR 241). Your site evaluator and local plumbing inspector set the size.
Compare with other states on our tank size calculator.
Shoreland transfer rules (30-A M.R.S. §4216)
- The seller gives the buyer a written statement on whether the system has malfunctioned.
- The buyer has the system inspected by a state-certified inspector before purchase, or within 9 months after if weather prevents it.
- No new inspection is needed if the seller provides a certified inspection done within 3 years before the transfer.
- No inspection is needed if the buyer certifies to the local plumbing inspector that they will replace the system within one year.
- If the inspection finds the system malfunctioning, it must be repaired.
Costs
We don't yet have checked Maine-specific prices. National figures: pumping averages about $420–$430 (pumping cost), inspections about $550 on average (inspection cost), and a conventional system $3,000–$8,500 installed (installation cost).
Rules change, and counties and towns can be stricter than the state. Confirm with the agency above before you buy, sell or build.