Hingham's supplementary septic rules (effective April 2020) are stricter than state Title 5, especially at the time of sale. If you're buying or selling a home with a septic system in Hingham, these are the rules that matter.
Title 5 inspections in Hingham
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.
Hingham rules that go beyond state Title 5
- At transfer of title, the inspection must be done within 12 months before the transfer, shorter than the state's 2 years.
- All septic tanks and cesspools must be pumped with the inspector present.
- Maximum groundwater must be set by an approved soil evaluator. The town requires the deep test hole method.
- The tank, distribution box, cesspools and pump chambers must be located with at least two swing ties shown on a plan.
- The seller must give the buyer the full report at least 24 hours before closing.
- A metal tank gets a Conditional Pass unless there's a Certificate of Compliance from the last 20 years.
What this means for you
Hingham inspections involve more steps than most, including pumping and a soil evaluator, so book early in the listing process. A report older than 12 months won't cover a sale here.
Hingham Board of Health
Hingham Health Department
210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: 781-741-1466
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 Hingham 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 Hingham Board of Health. We also do drainage and land clearing.
Have questions first? See the Title 5 FAQ.