Every seller has a to-do list before they list. Paint the front door. Declutter. Clean everything.
What almost nobody puts on that list? Schedule a dye test.
If you're selling a home in many Pittsburgh-area communities, there’s a good chance this step is required before your sale can close.
And if you don’t know about it early, it can delay your closing or create unexpected costs at the worst possible time.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Sewer Dye Test?
A sewer dye test checks whether your home’s stormwater drains are improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system.
A licensed plumber runs dye through drains like downspouts, sump pumps, or exterior drains, and checks where it ends up.
If the dye shows up in the sanitary sewer, there’s an issue that needs to be fixed.
Why This Exists
In many parts of Pittsburgh, stormwater and sewage systems are closely connected due to older infrastructure.
Improper connections can overload the system and lead to backups.
To prevent that, municipalities require testing before a home can be sold.
Does This Apply to Your Home?
This requirement depends on your specific municipality — not just the city.
Many areas in and around Pittsburgh require some form of sewer certification before closing.
The exact process, timeline, and fees vary depending on where the home is located.
That’s why it’s important to check early.
What the Process Looks Like
Most sellers go through a similar process:
- Contact your municipality to confirm requirements
- Schedule a licensed plumber
- Complete the dye test
- Submit results for approval
- Receive a compliance certificate
- Include that certificate in your closing documents
No certificate = no closing.
What Happens If You Fail
A failed test means there’s an improper connection that needs to be corrected.
Sometimes it’s a simple fix. Sometimes it’s more involved.
The key issue is timing.
If you find out after accepting an offer, you’re under pressure. If you find out before listing, you stay in control.
Why You Should Handle This Before Listing
Waiting until you’re under contract is where problems happen.
Handling this upfront means:
- No last-minute surprises
- No delays at closing
- Stronger negotiating position
- Cleaner transaction overall
More sellers are starting to take care of this early for exactly that reason.
A Few Things Most Sellers Don’t Realize
The dye test is separate from a home inspection — buyers may still run additional inspections.
Timing matters more than expected — this process can take weeks depending on scheduling and approvals.
You may already have a valid certificate if testing was done recently — always check before scheduling.
This isn’t just an “old home” issue — it can come up in newer properties too.
The Bottom Line
This is one of those steps that’s easy to miss — but hard to ignore once it comes up.
The earlier you handle it, the smoother your sale will go.
If you want help navigating what applies to your specific property and how to handle it before listing, reach out anytime.
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