Home Sellers Must Know:
Before selling your home, you must get a Dye Test and Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection. 

Call the Public Works Office, 412-831-9000, ext. 2710 to have the forms prepared. Forms can be picked up at the Public Works Office at 1751 McLaughlin Run Road, or they can be emailed.

  • Repairs, if any, must be done prior to the township receiving the paperwork and video.
  • In addition to the cost of the plumber, the township requires a $50 payment  ($25 for the dye test and $25 for the Sewer Lateral Inspection) to process the paperwork. 
  • Please read the Dye Test Ordinance and Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection Ordinance if you'd like to learn more about the ordinances.
  • Once the paperwork, video and payment are received, it can take 2-4 weeks for you to get the paperwork that you need for closing.
The Township entered into an Administrative Consent Order in March, 2004, with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The Consent Order outlines minimum requirements for the assessment and future maintenance of the Township sanitary sewer system.

The Township created Dye Test Ordinance 1787, adopted in December 1998, as required by the Consent Order. The Ordinance prohibits surface and ground water connections to the sanitary sewer system and requires dye testing prior to the sale or conveyance of property.

A dye test is required prior to selling a house. It must be performed by a registered plumber.

A dye test form may be ordered by calling the Public Works Department at 412.831.9000, at least 24 hours in advance. The form will be prepared along with a map, which may be picked up at the Public Works Department, 1751 McLaughlin Run Road (across from the Township's 3-Hole Golf Course) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m..

The dye test expires one (1) year from the date of performance. The completed dye test form, if acceptable, should be returned to the Township Tax Office, at least 14 days prior to closing, along with a check made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair in the amount of $25.

An evidence of compliance letter will be prepared and released along with the lien letter and tax certification letter by the Township Tax Office. 

The Township owns, maintains and inspects over 5,000 sanitary sewer manholes. Manholes are access points for sewer line maintenance and are placed where the sewer line changes direction. Manholes should not be covered or buried. Manholes must be kept accessible, especially in the event of a sanitary sewer emergency or backup.

Sanitary sewers and manholes are located within easements. Easements allow for access to sewers for routine maintenance, repairs or during emergencies. Easements should be kept free of obstructions such as trees, plantings, storage sheds and pools. The Township does not replace or pay for the replacement of obstructions removed from easements during sanitary sewer repairs.

The Township has written an Operation and Maintenance Program following the guidelines set forth in the Consent Order. ACHD reviewed and approved the plan in May 2011.

The Township of Upper St. Clair owns and maintains the Brush Run Pump Station located at 721 Circle Drive. The pump station serves a very important function.  Wastewater from Deerfield Manor, Old Farm and the Chapelwood area flows through gravity sewer lines to the pump station.  Once inside the station, the wastewater is then pumped through a 16", 3500-foot long force main to a manhole on Boyce Road.  From Boyce Road, the wastewater again flows through a gravity sewer to Alcosan.

Sanitary Sewer Operation & Maintenance.

In September 2017, the Board of Commissioners adopted the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection ordinance to support the timely inspection, repair and replacement of private sewer laterals. 

Effective January 1, 2018, two events require property owners to hire a National Association of Sewer Service Companies certified contractor to conduct a video inspection of their private sewer lateral, at the property owner's expense.

  1. Prior to the close of sale of any property
  2. Property improvements that require a Township building permit and an Allegheny County plumbing permit. 

The property owner will be required to submit the inspection results and a copy of the video to the Township. If the inspection yields no defects or failures, the Township will issue a letter of compliance. 

If there are defects or failures, any repair or replacement of the sewer lateral must be completed prior to the close of escrow of the sale, or, if there is no escrow, prior to recording the deed or other document transferring title. Inspection of any work required will be made by the Allegheny County Health Department. 

Contact the Department of Public Works or Community Development at 412-831-9000 with any questions or comments.

The Township has five (5) watersheds: McLaughlin Run, Chartiers Creek, Painters Run, Brush Run, and Peters Creek.

The Township recommends good stewardship of water. Fix leaks promptly and install water-saving devices on all potable water appliances. Do not pour solvents, pesticides, paint thinners, engine oil or hazardous materials into floor or sink drains. For information on the proper disposal of hazardous and harmful material please go to the trash/recycling page.