What is Required When Selling a Property on Sewer?
Please be aware that as a way to ensure compliance with local and state standards and to prevent potential service issues for new homeowners; The Town of Scituate requires that private sewer services constructed out of clay, cast iron, or asbestos concrete, must be replaced as part of the sale or transfer of a property. Please contact the Sewer Division at 781-545-8736 or sewer@scituatema.gov
F.A.Q.
Q. Who owns the sewer line for a property?
A. The Town Sewer system begins at the lateral connection located at the property line. All portions of the sewer line within the private property boundaries belong to the property owner.
Q. Why is the Town enforcing this policy?
A. There is a large quantity of private services that are made out of clay pipe or missing features required under current code. These clay pipes are made out of a material that is highly susceptible to roots growing into the line and can break down over time. All clay connections in town have gone beyond their recommended useful life. When the pipe deteriorates it can cause blockages and backups into the property. These clay pipes also allow leaks of inflows and infiltration into the Town Sewer system which increases costs for all users connected to Sewer.
Q. What if my pipe is PVC instead of clay?
A. In cases where the private line is made of PVC the Town will recommend that arrangements be made for an on-site private inspection of the line as part of the home inspection process in preparing for a sale.
Q. How do I arrange for an on-site inspection?
A. The inspection can be done by a private plumber or contractor using a camera device to inspect the line. The Sewer Division will coordinate with those seeking an on-site inspection, and will review any inspection video to help make recommendations.
Q. My line needs to be replaced, now what?
A. The line must be replaced prior to sale of the property. A new sewer permit will need to be obtained for the replacement, permit fees are $50. The work must be done by a drain layer licensed in Scituate. A list of licensed drain layers can be found on the Sewer Division website: https://www.scituatema.gov/sewer-division/pages/documents The Town does not regulate drain layer prices and recommends parties obtain comparative quotes. Once selected the drain layer typically will make arrangements on behalf of the owner for obtaining the permit and replacing the line. Any work to the line must be inspected by the Town prior to backfilling.