Complete dye testing services for $400 — includes pre-dye test and official municipal inspection with technician present.
Our $400 dye test price includes both the pre-dye test performed by our technicians AND the official dye test conducted with the municipality. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Sewer Cleaning Company performs a pre-dye test to identify any potential issues before the official municipal inspection.
We advise you on any issues found and provide a quote for repairs if needed. We can handle all repairs in-house to ensure you pass the official test.
Our technician is present for the official municipal dye test inspection, ensuring everything goes smoothly and any questions are answered.
A dye test determines if your home is properly connected to the sewer system by identifying points in the system where rain or groundwater may incorrectly enter the sanitary sewer system. During the test, a non-toxic, brightly colored dye is introduced into various drains and fixtures in the home. Inspectors then monitor the sewer system to see where the dye appears.
The test is a simple pass or fail. If the dye shows up where it should — in the sanitary sewer system only — you pass. If the dye appears in storm drains or on the surface, it indicates an improper connection that needs to be corrected.
Dye testing is required under the federal Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge of pollutants into waterways. When sanitary sewer connections are improperly tied into storm drains, untreated sewage can flow into rivers, lakes, and streams, causing environmental contamination and public health hazards.
Local municipalities require dye testing to ensure residential and commercial properties are properly connected to the sanitary sewer system and that stormwater is not entering the sanitary system (which causes overflows during heavy rain).
A dye test is most commonly required during the sale or transfer of property. Many municipalities in the Cleveland area require the seller to obtain a passing dye test before the property can change hands. The test verifies that the property's plumbing is properly connected and not contributing to sanitary sewer overflows or stormwater contamination.
Several cities in the Cleveland area and Lake County require sewer dye testing as part of the property transfer process, including:
If you are buying or selling a home in any of these communities, contact us early in the process to schedule your dye test and allow time for any necessary repairs before closing.
A test tee riser is an access point in your sewer lateral line that extends to the surface of your yard. It is typically a capped PVC pipe that provides an opening to the sewer line for testing and inspection purposes. During a dye test, the inspector uses the test tee riser to observe whether dye appears in the sanitary sewer line. Most municipalities require test tee risers to be present and accessible for the official dye test.
If your property does not have test tee risers, excavation will be required to install them before the dye test can be conducted. Our team can locate your sewer lateral, excavate to expose the line, and install the necessary test tee risers. This additional work is quoted separately from the dye test. We recommend scheduling this well in advance of any property closing date.
Yes, access to the inside of the home is required for a dye test. Our technicians need to introduce dye into various fixtures including sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and floor drains throughout the home. They also need to inspect the basement for any visible plumbing connections. Please ensure all fixtures are accessible on the day of the test.
