WHAT IS A DYE TEST?

A dye test confirms that water from either the storm or sewer does not mix with the other. Each sewer system is sealed and contained so as not to contaminate one or the other.

The process of dye testing the sewer line starts with adding dye to the utility sink floor drain and running water to confirm that the dye ends up in the sewer’s test tee riser in the front of the home. A different color dye is used to test the outside storm drains and is also confirmed at the storm system’s test tee riser at the front of the home. This test is performed to determine if one color of dye leaks into the others’ system, identifying that there is a section of pipe that is compromised and needs to be repaired.

In performing a dye test, nontoxic dye is placed into each exterior storm connection, such as drains, downspouts, and driveways, and then flushed with water.

It is then verified if the colored water exits into the street via storm water drains or – by monitoring the downstream sanitary sewer manhole – if there is a presence of dyed water in the sanitary sewer.

  • Pass. If the dye placed in the sewer system stays in the sewer system, the test passes. Similarly, if dye placed in the storm system stays in the storm system, the test passes. If the two do not cross into one another, this system is sealed and will pass.
  • Fail. If one or the other dye enters into the other system, then the system is compromised and needs to be repaired.

WHY IS A DYE TEST REQUIRED?

Connections between sanitary sewers and storm sewers are prohibited by law. The Clean Water Act requires home and property owners to diminish storm water drainage from entering the sanitary sewer system to avoid sewage entering and contaminating waterways during heavy rainfall.

WHEN IS A DYE TEST REQUIRED?

Sewer dye tests are required at the sale or transfer of a property.

For a home to be sold in specific cities, it must be certified that its drain system and sewers are working as intended, and a dye test is an integral part of this.

 

SEWER DYE TEST IN EASTLAKE, WICKLIFFE, WILLOWICK, OTHER LAKE COUNTY CITIES & RICHMOND HEIGHTS IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY

For residents in Eastlake, Wickliffe, Willowick and other Lake County cities, as well as Richmond Heights in Cuyahoga County, dye testing sewer lines is required. Give Sewer Cleaning Company a call today and consider your sewer dye testing complete. We help homeowners through the process, answer every question, and can quickly remedy a situation if repairs need to be made to your drain system.

DYE TESTING SEWER LINES OR SEWER DRAIN LINE REPAIRS: RELY ON SEWER CLEANING COMPANY

Before you put your home on the market or transfer your property, let us perform a dye test. If your home fails the dye test, we can quickly make the repairs you need to ensure your home’s sewer and/or storm line drain system meets legal requirements and is ready to sell.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

A test tee riser is simply a cleanout located in the front of your yard that allows the ability to get access into the individual storm or sewer drain system.

In most municipalities that require a sewer dye test if there are no test tee risers available for the storm and or sewer line, you will be required to excavate to have them installed.

Yes. Access into the home is the only way to test the sewer system.

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