Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the age of the system, the Health Division may have an “as built” plan of the system, which provides measurements to system components based on fixed landmarks such as a house foundation. Call or email the office, providing your home address and we will check our records.

Title 5 Inspectors are licensed by the state. The company that pumps your septic tank may have someone on staff who can do the work, or they will refer you to someone they trust. For a state-wide listing of inspectors, visit the

The inspections are good for a 2-year period, starting with the date of the inspection. If the tank is pumped each year following the inspection, then the length of time increases to 3 years. For example, if your system is inspected in June of 2013, have the tank pumped in June of 2014 and June of 2015, then the inspection will be good until June 2016.

If you have sewer available, you will need to connect to it; contact someone licensed as a Drain layer by the town to do that work for you. The Health Division maintains a list of drain layers; because it is always changing, contact us for the latest version.

You will need to contact a private engineer or engineering firm to design a new septic system, and they will guide you through the process. Your pumper may have someone to recommend, or speak to your friends who have had the work done before and can provide a reference. The Health Division also maintains a mailing list of engineers who desire to work in Andover (we do not license or approve them); we recommend that you obtain at least three price estimates.