click for dye test printable application
Findlay Township Municipal Authority’s rules and regulations requires that an inspection of each building in the Township connected to the public sanitary sewer system be done at the time of sale to determine if roof drains, sump pumps, or driveway/area drains are improperly routed to the system. The inspection also attempts to determine if fresh air vent covers are accessible and are in good condition and are not allowing surface water to enter the sanitary sewer during storm events. Authority personnel will also determine that sanitary sewer manholes on the property are not covered and are accessible. Testing is not required for refinanced properties, new homes that have not been occupied, or those properties presently utilizing septic systems.
Procedure and Application
Complete the application form. Please print clearly and legibly.
Mail or drop off your application to FTMA
Make check payable to: FTMA
Residential Testing
$150.00 Results in 5-7 business days
$250.00 Rush- Results in 3 business days or after hours
Commercial Testing
Contact FTMA
Dye Test Information
Our office must receive the application and payment prior to the scheduling of the inspection. Once received the inspection will be scheduled. The basic dye test is meant to identify any direct illegal connections to the system and/or problems with vents, cleanouts, etc. This basic inspection is mandated to comply with administrative consent between FTMA and the Allegheny Health Department. The test must be performed by FTMA personnel.
Except for the conditions listed below, the property must pass the basic dye test inspection for direct inflow sources. Structures failing the inspections will require corrective action to remedy the circumstances. When the inspections cannot be performed prior to the closing due to weather, or when defects are identified that cannot be addressed prior to the closing date, the following procedures apply:
If the inspection cannot be performed due to weather conditions and the closing date cannot be altered, a recommended option is to obtain a temporary document of certification. The recommended associated agreement for this type of situation provides for a minimum $4,000.00 escrow to be withheld at the time of closing. After the dye test has been performed, and assuming no problems are identified the authority will authorize that the $4,000.00 to be released in the absence of a contrary agreement among the parties. It is important to note that the buyer of the property will be ultimately responsible for scheduling the inspection and correcting identified deficiencies.
Should the results of the inspection indicate a “Failure” that cannot be remedied prior to the proposed closing date, a temporary document of certification can be issued that provides for the proper repairs to be done after the closing date. The recommended associated agreement for this type of situation provides for a minimum escrow amount to be withheld based upon submittal of a contract with a registered master plumber providing a quote to perform the required work. That amount (or greater amount) should be withheld at the closing to guarantee that the work will be performed. In the absence of a contrary agreement among the parties, it is important to note that the buyer of the property will be ultimately responsible for correcting identified deficiencies. The temporary document of certification will typically allow 30 days for the completion of the required work unless an extension is granted by the Authority.
Should the property owner of an authorized representative challenge the findings of a given inspection, an appeal can be made to the Authority by filling out the appropriate form and submitting it to the Authority office within 20 days of the inspection. The Authority will convene within 30 days of said filing to hear the appeal, and will make a decision within 3 business days after the hearing.