Case Study
Home Seller Sewer Line Excavation & Repair in Pittsburgh
How we helped a local home seller navigate new borough inspection requirements and complete a successful property sale
Project Overview
Location Pittsburgh, PA
Project Type Sewer Line Excavation & Repair
Customer: Home Seller
Initial Request: Dye & Lateral Test
Final Scope: Major Excavation & Sewage Line Repair
Result: Passed Inspection, Home Sold
The Challenge: New Borough Inspection Requirements
When our customer decided to sell their Pittsburgh home, they discovered that the local borough had implemented new sewer inspection requirements for all property transfers. Like many homeowners in the area, they were unfamiliar with the process and concerned about what the inspection might reveal.
Initial Scope: Dye and Lateral Test
The customer initially contacted Cirigliano Plumbing to perform a standard dye and lateral test—a common requirement for home sales in many Pittsburgh-area municipalities. This non-invasive test uses colored dye to trace the path of wastewater and identify any leaks, cross-connections, or defects in the sewer lateral line.
What the Inspection Revealed
Unfortunately, the initial testing uncovered significant issues with the existing sewer line that would prevent the home from passing the borough’s inspection requirements. The aging sewage infrastructure showed signs of potential sewer backup risk and needed more than a simple repair—it required a complete excavation and replacement to bring the property up to code.
For a homeowner in the middle of a property sale, this discovery could have been devastating. The timeline pressure, unexpected costs, and complexity of coordinating major excavation work threatened to derail the entire transaction.
Our Solution: Complete Sewer Line Excavation & Repair
At Cirigliano Plumbing, we understand that selling a home is stressful enough without unexpected plumbing emergencies. Our team immediately developed a comprehensive plan to address the sewer line issues efficiently while keeping the home sale on track.
Step 1: Site Assessment & Planning
Our team conducted a thorough assessment of the property to determine the full scope of work required. We mapped out the existing sewer line path, identified all connection points, and developed an excavation plan that would minimize disruption to the property while ensuring complete access to the damaged infrastructure.
Step 2: Excavation & Old Line Removal
Using professional-grade excavation equipment, we carefully removed the soil above the damaged sewer line. Our experienced operators worked methodically to protect the surrounding landscape and structures while creating the access needed for a full line replacement.
Step 3: New Sewer Line Installation
We installed new, code-compliant PVC sewer piping to replace the failing infrastructure. The new line was properly graded to ensure optimal flow and connected securely to both the home’s interior plumbing system and the municipal sewer connection. A new exterior cleanout was also installed for future maintenance access.
Step 4: Interior Plumbing Connections
Inside the home, our plumbers made all necessary plumbing connections to integrate the new sewer line with the existing plumbing system. This included work in the basement area to ensure proper drainage from all fixtures and appliances.
Step 5: Site Restoration & Final Inspection
After completing the sewer line installation, we restored the excavation site and scheduled the borough’s final inspection. Our work passed inspection on the first attempt, clearing the way for the home sale to proceed.
Project Photos
The Results
Borough Inspection: Passed
The new sewer line installation met all municipal code requirements, passing the borough’s inspection on the first attempt.
Home Sale: Completed Successfully
With the sewer inspection cleared, our customer was able to proceed with their home sale without further delays or complications.
Customer Satisfaction: 5 Stars
Despite the unexpected scope of work, our customer expressed complete satisfaction with how we handled the project from start to finish.
Customer Testimonial
“It’s hard to find a plumber that is honest, price conscious, and does high quality work. What started as a dye and lateral test ended with a major excavation and repair of a sewage line. As a home seller navigating the new inspections imposed by the borough, Cirigliano Plumbing held my hand and assured me all would be well. All turned out well and I’m an extremely satisfied home seller!”
Why Pittsburgh Home Sellers Trust Cirigliano Plumbing
Selling a home in Pittsburgh often means navigating complex municipal inspection requirements. Many boroughs now require sewer lateral inspections before property transfers can be completed, and failing these inspections can delay or even derail a sale.
At Cirigliano Plumbing, we specialize in helping home sellers through this process:
- Expert Guidance: We understand local borough requirements and can explain exactly what’s needed to pass inspection.
- Honest Assessments: We’ll tell you exactly what we find and provide straightforward options for addressing any issues.
- Efficient Solutions: We know time is critical in real estate transactions and work quickly to keep your sale on track.
- Quality Workmanship: Our sewer line repairs are done right the first time, so you pass inspection without callbacks or delays.
Competitive Pricing: We provide fair, transparent pricing—even when the scope of work expands unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dye and lateral test?
A dye and lateral test is a non-invasive inspection method that uses colored dye to trace the path of wastewater through your sewer lateral line. It helps identify leaks, cross-connections, or defects that may prevent your property from passing municipal inspection requirements.
Why do I need a sewer inspection to sell my home in Pittsburgh?
Many Pittsburgh-area boroughs now require sewer lateral inspections before property transfers can be completed. These inspections ensure the sewer infrastructure meets current code requirements and helps protect both buyers and the municipal sewer system.
How long does sewer line excavation and repair take?
The timeline for sewer line excavation and repair varies based on the scope of work, but most residential projects can be completed within 1-5 days. Cirigliano Plumbing works efficiently to minimize disruption, especially for customers with time-sensitive real estate transactions.
What happens if my sewer line fails inspection?
If your sewer line fails inspection, you’ll typically need to repair or replace the defective portions before the sale can proceed. Cirigliano Plumbing can assess the issues, provide repair options, and complete the necessary work to help you pass re-inspection.
Do you offer trenchless sewer repair options?
Yes, Cirigliano Plumbing offers trenchless sewer solutions for minimal disruption to your property. This modern repair method can often be completed faster and with less damage to your landscaping compared to traditional excavation methods.
Facing a Sewer Inspection for Your Home Sale?
Don’t let sewer line issues delay your property sale. Contact Cirigliano Plumbing today for expert dye testing, lateral inspections, and any repairs needed to pass your borough’s requirements. We also offer trenchless sewer solutions for minimal disruption to your property.
