Joel Bean is a Massachusetts-licensed Title 5 System Inspector (license SI15201) based in Pembroke. He inspects septic systems for home sales, additions and peace of mind across the South Shore, and he does the inspections himself.
Two ways to inspect your system
Standard Title 5
$425- Required for home sales and transfers
- Town records and water usage pulled for you
- Report filed with your Board of Health
Confidential System Evaluation
$500- Full camera inspection of the lines
- Private report to you. Nothing filed with the town
- Find problems on your own timeline, before you list
Not an official Title 5 inspection. It can't be used for a sale or transfer.
What the inspection covers
- Town records and water usage for the property, pulled for you
- The septic tank, distribution box and leach field, located, opened and checked
- Groundwater and setback checks under state rules and your town's own regulations
- The official MassDEP inspection report, filed with your Board of Health
Several South Shore towns add their own requirements, such as pumping the tank or bringing in a soil evaluator. Norwell, Hingham and Cohasset all require pumping. Ask Joel what your town requires and you'll get the full price before anything is scheduled.
What the results mean
Pass
The system meets state and Board of Health requirements.
Conditional Pass
A component needs repair, like a baffle or effluent filter. Once it's fixed, the system passes.
Fail
The system has to be upgraded, generally within 2 years. Some towns require it before the sale.
If your system fails, you don't have to start over with a new contractor. J. Bean Excavation does septic repair and replacement, working with your engineer and the Board of Health.
Selling a home? Book early
A Title 5 inspection must be done within 2 years before a sale, and a passing report is good for 2 years (3 if the system has been pumped every year and you have the records). Hingham shortens that to 12 months before transfer. If a repair is needed, early scheduling keeps your closing date safe. Real estate agents and attorneys can request an inspection for a client too.
Title 5 rules by town
Every town's Board of Health adds its own rules. See what applies where you live:
Have more questions? Read the Title 5 FAQ: cost, timing, who pays and what happens if a system fails.
What customers say
“Joel came to my clients rescue and completed a complicated septic repair ahead of schedule and on budget! His communication and professionalism is FANTASTIC!”
“Joel was incredibly communicative throughout the entire process and handled everything with the engineer and board of health. His work was clean, efficient and completed well within his scoped time line.”