Pre-Sale Sewer Testing
Sanitary Sewer Pressure Testing at Property Transfer
This document outlines regulations for sanitary sewer pressure testing required when transferring property ownership in Ebensburg Borough and the portion of Cambria Township served by the Ebensburg wastewater system.
Key Requirements
- Effective Date: January 1, 2017
- Applicability: All residential and non-residential properties with separate building drains and service laterals
- Testing Method: Air pressure test at minimum 5 p. s. i. for 15 minutes with no noticeable pressure loss
- Inspection: Borough inspection required while work is exposed
Property Transfer Scenarios
Separate Systems (Point 1)
- Double houses/townhouses with separate drains and laterals: Only the unit being transferred must pass testing
Shared Systems - Same Owner (Point 2)
- Properties owned by same occupant but separately deeded: Both sides must be reconfigured to provide separate systems
- No tapping fee for additional connections needed for separation
- Both sides must pass testing
Single Property Sale (Point 3)
- Double houses/townhouses/apartments sold as one property: All interconnected drains and laterals may remain connected but must pass testing
Shared Systems - Different Owners (Point 4)
- Properties with shared drains but different owners: Both sides must be reconfigured for separate systems
- No tapping fee for additional connections needed
- Both sides must pass testing
Required Improvements at Transfer
Sewer Lateral Compliance: Line from foundation wall to property line must meet current regulations including:
- Cleanout near foundation wall
- Viewport at property line
Viewport Access: If viewport exists but isn't visible/accessible, owner must expose it at their expense
Failed Tests: If sewer laterals fail pressure test, entire lateral must be replaced or modified to meet air testing requirements
Testing Procedures
- Request Timeline: Minimum 24 hours advance notice for inspection/witnessing
- Inspector Time: Up to 30 minutes per test
- Retest Fees: Charged for each necessary retest if initial test fails
- Test Duration: 15-minute testing period starts when inspector determines actual testing begins
Exemptions
Previous Testing (Point 1)
- Properties that passed air pressure test within previous 5 years
- No alterations made to tested components
Transaction Types (Point 2) The following are exempt from testing requirements:
- Refinancing without conveyance of interest
- Transfers to ordinary grantor trusts
- Spousal/former spousal transfers via marriage settlement agreements
- Sheriff's sales to mortgage holders/lien creditors (subsequent transfers subject to regulation)
- Deeds in Lieu of Foreclosure to mortgage holders/lien creditors (subsequent transfers subject to regulation)
Hardship Extensions
- Duration: Up to 60 days from closing date
- Requirements:
- Proof of bona fide contract for necessary repairs
- Escrowed funds sufficient to cover required repairs
Enforcement
Violations
- Penalty: $600. 00 fine for summary offense
- Responsibility:
- Seller responsible for compliance before closing
- Buyer becomes responsible if they close without assurance of compliance
- New owner responsible if non-compliance discovered later due to fraud, error, or other reasons
Service Discontinuation: Authority may discontinue water and/or sanitary sewer service for non-compliant properties
Compliance Timeline: Properties contributing I&I must achieve compliance within 5 months of notification from Authority
Recurring Inspection
- All properties subject to future viewport inspections to determine presence of Infiltration/Inflow (I&I)
Additional Resources
Complete copy of the Ordinance regulating pre-sale pressure testing is available at www. ebensburgpa. com