Sewer dye tests before selling in Allegheny County

Updated November 2026

Which Allegheny County municipalities require a sewer dye test or lateral camera inspection before a home sale, what the fees are, and why a failed test matters.

Most Allegheny County boroughs and townships will not release the lien letter and tax certification that a title company needs until a passing dye test is on file. The goal is to keep rainwater out of the sanitary sewer, which overflows into the rivers in heavy storms.

What the plumber checks

Dye goes into downspouts, area drains, window wells and yard drains. If it shows up in the sanitary sewer, there is an illegal connection that must be separated. A growing number of municipalities, including Upper St. Clair, Baldwin, South Fayette and Greentree, also require a camera inspection of the lateral.

Fees and validity vary widely

Certificate fees run from about $20 to $350. Fox Chapel charges $350 and Chalfant $300. A passing test can be good for 60 days in Swissvale or ten years in Cheswick. Some municipalities, such as Carnegie, Collier and Wilkinsburg, also require a test for refinances.

Plan ahead

Several authorities need 14 days notice or test only on certain weekdays. Order the test as soon as you have a buyer.

Step by step

1. Hire a licensed, Allegheny County registered plumber. Some municipalities require a plumber from their approved list, or do the test themselves.
2. The plumber runs dye through downspouts and drains and completes the municipal form.
3. If dye shows up in the sanitary line, the illegal connection must be fixed and the test redone.
4. The municipality issues a certificate. It must be on file before the lien letter and tax certification are released for closing.

Cities with this requirement