Point-of-sale requirement
City of Pittsburgh dye test
Every home sold in the City of Pittsburgh needs an Evidence of Compliance certificate from Pittsburgh Water (formerly PWSA). Apply online at least 14 days before closing. Homes in sanitary sewer areas also need a passing dye test by a certified plumber; homes in combined-sewer areas don't.
What City of Pittsburgh requires
Checked November 2026- Required for
- Selling a home in the City of Pittsburgh
- What's required
- An Evidence of Compliance certificate from Pittsburgh Water. In sanitary sewer areas, a passing dye test comes first. Combined-sewer areas need no test.
- How to apply
- Online only, through Pittsburgh Water's Dye Test Certification portal. The owner, agent or title company can apply.
- Fee
- $20, paid by card when you apply
- Deadline
- Apply at least 14 days before closing. Each review takes up to 10 business days.
- Valid for
- 3 years
- Who can test
- A plumber registered with the Allegheny County Health Department
- Pittsburgh Water
- Dye Testing Team 412-255-2443; [email protected]
How to register with City of Pittsburgh
- Apply online through Pittsburgh Water's Dye Test Certification portal and pay the $20 fee by card. The owner, agent or title company can apply. Paper applications aren't accepted.
- Pittsburgh Water checks the sewer type. In combined-sewer areas, no test is needed and the certificate is issued.
- In sanitary sewer areas, a certified plumber does the test, and the results go to Pittsburgh Water on its Dye Testing Results Form. The certificate comes through the portal.
- Test when you list?
- Yes. Certificates are good for 3 years.
- Town contact
- Pittsburgh Water Dye Testing Team, 412-255-2443
Pittsburgh Water: Dye Test Certification (online application)
How the test works
- The plumber places a water-soluble dye tablet in each drain or downspout and flushes it with water.
- They watch for dyed water in the sanitary sewer. Dye there means the drain is improperly connected.
- Many City homes are 50 to 100 years old, so plan time for possible repairs.
If the test fails
Correct the improper connection and pass another dye test before Pittsburgh Water issues the certificate. If repairs would cause undue hardship, the ordinance allows temporary compliance for up to 60 days with cash security of 120% of the repair contract. Get a repair quote right away so your closing stays on schedule.
Summarized from the municipality's published rules, last checked November 2026. We check them on the first of every month. Rules change, so confirm with your town before closing.