We buy houses in Wickliffe, OH.

Wickliffe sewer dye test process: step by step

If you're planning to sell your property in Wickliffe, you must pass both a sewer dye test and a sidewalk inspection as part of the city's requirements. The dye test costs $300. For homeowners thinking about selling their Wickliffe home (which we can buy quickly for cash), here’s a step-by-step guide on how the process works:

1. Preparing for the Sewer Dye Test

Before the city can perform the dye test, they need access to storm and sanitary test tees. These tees must:

·        Terminate within four inches of the finished grade in a straight, vertical position.

·        Be clearly visible for inspection.

·        Be located within three feet of the city right-of-way sidewalk.

·        If your test tees do not meet these specifications, you will need to hire a contractor to get them in the correct position/location. This can be very expensive.

For detailed specifications on test tees, visit the official Wickliffe city website: Wickliffe Property Sale Information.

2. Scheduling the Inspection

The seller contacts the City of Wickliffe Building Department to schedule the dye test and sidewalk inspection. The dye test costs $300.

3. Conducting the Inspection

• The Service Department performs the dye test.

• The Building Department inspects the sidewalk, reviews the Service Department’s results from the dye test, and determines whether any sewer/storm line repairs are required.

4. Handling Inspection Results

• If the property passes – No further action is needed, and the sale proceeds as usual. (See our article detailing the general process of selling your home.)

• If the property fails – The city issues a Notice of Violation outlining the required repairs (Example below.)

If you receive a Notice of Violation and we are buying your home, simply share the notice with us—we’ll take care of the repairs so you don’t have to deal with the contractors, the stress and the cost.

5. We Handle the Repairs

We assume the responsibility for making the repairs required by the city and making sure the property passes the subsequent dye test and sidewalk inspection. To comply with city regulations:

• We obtain estimates from city-registered contractors (or contractors willing to register).

• These estimates are submitted to the Building Commissioner for approval.

6. City-Imposed Escrow Requirements

To ensure repairs are completed, the city requires 1.5 times the repair estimate to be held in escrow by the title company that is handling the sale.  While sellers are sometimes required to put up this money, when we are buying a home, we always take on the responsibility of supplying the required escrow monies to the title company.  The title company then confirms with the city that this amount is set aside in the title company’s account by sending a letter to the building department.  If the repairs aren’t made in the timeline required by the city, the city can use the escrowed funds to complete the repairs.

7. Completing the Process

• After we take ownership, we obtain permits and make the necessary repairs.

• The city does the sewer dye test again and re-inspects the sidewalk.

• Once everything passes, we apply for a Certificate of Occupancy, which requires a $60 fee.

• The escrowed funds are released to us.

What can Wickliffe dye test repairs cost?

The $300 city dye test fee is only one possible cost. The bigger issue is what happens if the property is not ready for the test or does not pass.

Depending on the property, possible costs may include:

• Locating buried test tees

• Raising, straightening, repairing, or replacing test tees

• Camera inspection of underground storm or sanitary lines

• Repairing or replacing damaged storm drain lines

• Correcting improper gutter or downspout connections

• Sidewalk replacement

• Driveway apron repair or replacement

• The cost of premium fill as Wickliffe requires that trenches dug for the replacement of storm and sewer lines to be filled with premium fill.

Minor test tee work may be relatively manageable. Larger underground drainage work, sidewalk replacement, or driveway apron repairs can be much more expensive. Sewer replacement can cost more than $10,000. The actual cost depends on the property, the location of the issue, whether and how much excavation is needed, contractor pricing, and what the city requires.

This is one reason some sellers prefer an as-is sale to a local cash buyer who understands Wickliffe’s process.

How long does the Wickliffe point-of-sale process take?

The timeline depends on the condition of the property and whether everything is ready for the city test.

A smoother sale may move more quickly if:

• The test fee is paid promptly

• Test tees are already visible and compliant

• Water is on at the property

• The sidewalk and driveway apron are in good condition

• The property passes the dye test the first time

The process can take longer if:

• Test tees need to be located or repaired

• A contractor needs to camera the line

• The property fails the dye test

• Sidewalk or apron repairs are required

• A contractor estimate and escrow of 1.5x the contractor’s estimate need to be arranged

• The title company needs city documentation before closing

If you are selling a Wickliffe house and want a fast closing, it is smart to think about these issues early. A buyer who is not familiar with the local process may underestimate how much time or coordination is involved.

Can you sell a Wickliffe house as-is without fixing everything first?

Often, yes — but the details matter.

If you sell to a traditional buyer, the buyer, lender, title company, and city requirements may all affect what must be completed before closing. A retail buyer may not want to inherit city repair issues, and a lender may not be comfortable with unresolved property problems.

A direct cash sale can be more flexible. At LP Property Group, we buy houses as-is and regularly deal with repair-heavy properties. We have purchased properties in Wickliffe that required sanitary and storm sewer repairs and replacement that required extensive excavation and cost thousands of dollars. We funded the escrow for these repairs as required by the city and completed the repairs after purchasing the home.

Every property is different, but the goal is simple: we try to make the sale easier for the seller, not harder.

Sell Your Wickliffe Home with Confidence

Selling a home in Wickliffe can seem complex, but we simplify the process by handling inspections, repairs, and city requirements—so you don’t have to.

Have questions? Contact us today to learn more about selling your Wickliffe home hassle-free!