Dye Testing: Procedures

Areas to be tested: Downspouts & Roof leaders,Foundation Drains, Area Drains: Stairwell, Driveway, Open Drains

Begin with a visual observation of the property, locate any and all surface drains, roof leaders and any possible points of discharge for verification. Locate vent trap and make note of height above ground level.  Inspect the basement for sump pumps, inside foundation drains, and obvious concrete work leading to the floor drains.

ALL roof drain leaders that do not discharge directly onto the surface shall be tested by introducing dyed water into each conductor.

ALL surface or areaway drains, including but not limited to, stairwell, driveway drains, and the like, shall be tested. Each shall be tested individually and independently of each other by introducing dyed water into each.

The outside perimeter of the house shall be checked for the presence of illegally connected foundation drains. This will require the injection of dyed water into the ground and allowing ample time for the said dye to permeate the ground and reach the discharge point. The dye shall be injected by means of a 3/4 to 1 inch pipe worked into the ground with water flowing to depth of approximately 2 to 3 feet (see attachment for diagram of apparatus). The points of injection will be determined by the lay of the land and position of the structure. A minimum of two injection points will be required.

Any and all sump pumps serving the residence must be tested by filling the sump pit with dyed water and operating the pump.

Observations for dye will be made in the nearest Manhole downstream of the lateral connection. Verify that you are viewing the correct manhole. When an inspection port has been provided at the property line it may be used for the purpose of observing for dye. Under no circumstances will the use of the vent trap be permitted for observation of dye to determine a violation because illegal drains may be connected downstream of the vent trap. Ample time must be allowed before making determination of pass or fail. We must recognize that dyed water may go into a drywell, an old septic tank leach field, storm sewer, or simply onto the ground. If dye is not located in the sanitary sewer within a reasonable amount of time, typically 10 minutes depending on circumstances (extended laterals would require longer times), assume test location not to be a violation.

A copy of the permit drawing for the service connection and a copy of the sewer line drawings for the area identifying the manhole to view will be provided for your use upon request. This request should be made at least three working days in advance of the scheduled testing date.

Once a violation is encountered, the color of the dye solution must be changed before proceeding to avoid the possibility of a false positive result. Allow ample time and flow to flush the trap of existing dye.

A report for said Dye Test and Inspection, pass or fail, shall be forwarded to the Authority office for processing upon completion of the test. The report shall be completed in its entirety, and notation made when test locations are non existent. The report shall be on forms provided by the Authority.

Once a violation is encountered, the means by which it shall be eliminated from the sanitary sewer shall comply with all state and local codes. It is the responsibility of the property owner to contact the Peters Township Public Works Department before connecting to any storm drains or discharging surface water to any public street.

When a violation has been detected, notify those that engaged your services as well as the Authority of your findings. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have illegal connections corrected by a plumber or contractor of their choice. A "Document of Certification" will not be issued until it has been demonstrated to the Authority that the violation has been eliminated.

The Peters Township Sanitary Authority will conduct random QA/QC (Quality Assurance / Quality Control) inspections of the plumbers. Any approved plumber found grossly misconducting the test will be permanently removed from the list of approved plumbers.

At the request of the homeowner arrangements can be made for the Authority to verify the findings of the plumber.

The Peters Township Sanitary Authority assumes no responsibility for the actions of the plumbers.