Hanover relies on private wells and has supplementary rules to Title 5 that focus on groundwater and setbacks. Here's what to know about septic inspections and replacements in Hanover.
Title 5 inspections in Hanover
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.
Hanover rules that go beyond state Title 5
- Title 5 inspectors need a Hanover inspector's permit, renewed yearly.
- Hanover has supplementary groundwater rules. The cellar floor must be at least 12 inches above maximum groundwater.
- Perc tests older than 5 years aren't accepted for a new design.
- The minimum leaching area is 800 square feet.
- Setbacks are larger than the state's: 100 ft to wetlands and 150 ft to a private drinking water well.
What this means for you
If a Hanover system fails and needs replacing, plan on new perc testing unless yours is recent. The Board of Health can also pause testing during dry spells, so starting early matters.
Hanover Board of Health
Hanover Board of Health
550 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: 781-826-5000 ext. 1077
Septic and Title 5 information from the town
Summarized from the town's published regulations as of September 2026. Rules change, so always confirm current requirements with the Board of Health.
If your Hanover system needs work
A failed inspection or a Conditional Pass isn't the end of the road. J. Bean Excavation handles septic repairs and full replacements, working with your engineer and the Hanover Board of Health. We also do drainage and land clearing.
Have questions first? See the Title 5 FAQ.