At a glance
| Who regulates | MassDEP Title 5, applied by your local board of health |
|---|---|
| Inspection when a home is sold | Required statewide. Required at transfer of title: within two years before the sale, or up to six months after if weather makes it impossible, provided the seller notifies the buyer. An inspection up to three years old can be used with proof of annual pumping. |
Septic tank size in Massachusetts
At least 200% of the design flow (or 48 hours of detention), and never less than 1,500 gallons (310 CMR 15.223). Larger flows need a two-compartment tank or two tanks in series.
Compare with other states on our tank size calculator.
Title 5 inspection at sale
- Inspection within two years before the transfer of title.
- If weather prevents it, within six months after the transfer, with written notice to the buyer.
- An inspection up to three years old can be used if the system was pumped every year since.
- Some transfers are exempt, such as transfers between spouses or into a family trust.
Costs
We don't yet have checked Massachusetts-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.