By Josh McKnight | The McKnight Team
Wrightstown Township is considering an ordinance that would require sellers in two specific sewer systems to inspect and repair their lateral sewer lines before a use and occupancy certificate can be issued. If it passes, homeowners connected to the Jane Chapman East or Matthew’s Ridge systems would need to get their lines checked and cleared of defects before closing. That is a direct change to how transactions work in that part of Bucks County, and sellers should understand what it means before they list.
What the Ordinance Would Actually Require
A lateral sewer line is the pipe that runs from your house to the main sewer. Over time, these lines crack, joints fail, and tree roots find their way in. Groundwater infiltrates, strains the system, and drives up costs for everyone connected to it. Wrightstown Township has already committed to spending more than $200,000 on improvements to the Jane Chapman East and Matthew’s Ridge systems. This ordinance is their attempt to stop the problem from getting worse at the source.
Under the proposed rules, sellers would need an inspection before receiving their certificate of occupancy. Any defects would need to be repaired. The ordinance would also prohibit connections like roof drains and sump pumps that push extra water into the sewer system. Township officials plan to hold a public meeting before any formal vote. A public hearing is expected to follow as well. Worth noting: the Suburban Realtors Alliance is watching this closely and has raised concerns about whether the final language will comply with Pennsylvania’s Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act, which limits what townships can require as a condition of a use and occupancy certificate. How the ordinance is ultimately written will matter a great deal.
Why Wrightstown Sellers Should Act Before the Vote
The median sale price across Bucks County hit $500,000 in January 2026, up 3.6% year over year, according to Redfin. Sellers in Wrightstown are often at or above that number. That is real equity. An unexpected sewer repair bill surfacing right before settlement is the kind of thing that blows up timelines and costs sellers money on their terms.
If your home connects to one of those two systems, find out now. A lateral line inspection is not expensive. A camera goes through the pipe and shows you exactly what you are dealing with. Clean line? You have documentation ready. Problem? Better to know six months before listing than the week before closing.
Even if this ordinance never passes in its current form, sewer laterals have become a legitimate inspection item across Bucks County. Buyers and their agents ask about them. Getting ahead of it is just smart preparation.
What This Means for You
If you own a home in Wrightstown Township and are thinking about selling in the next year or two, this is worth a phone call to a licensed plumber before you do anything else. The rules may shift before they’re finalized, but the underlying issue — the condition of your lateral line — isn’t going away. Knowing where you stand costs very little. Not knowing could cost you at the closing table.
The McKnight Team has helped sellers across Bucks County navigate exactly these kinds of pre-listing surprises. If you want a clear picture of what your home is worth right now and what you might need to address before listing, we can help. Visit TheMcKnightTeam.com to learn more.
Thinking about buying or selling in Wrightstown Township? Let’s talk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrightstown Township Real Estate
What is a sewer lateral and why does it matter when selling a home? A sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home to the municipal sewer main. It runs under your yard and sometimes under the street. If it cracks or fails, groundwater can enter the system, which leads to costly repairs. In Bucks County, lateral line condition has become a more common point of inspection and negotiation in real estate transactions, particularly as townships deal with aging infrastructure.
Will this ordinance affect all homes in Wrightstown Township? No. The proposed ordinance specifically targets homes connected to the Jane Chapman East and Matthew’s Ridge sewer systems. If your home is on a private septic system or connects to a different sewer system, this ordinance as currently written would not apply. If you are unsure which system your home connects to, the township office can confirm.
What does a lateral sewer line inspection cost in Bucks County? A camera inspection of a lateral line typically runs between $150 and $400 depending on the contractor and the length of the line. If repairs are needed, costs vary significantly based on the scope — a simple cleanout is far less than a full line replacement. Getting the inspection done early gives you time to get competitive bids if work is needed.
How long does it typically take to sell a home in Wrightstown Township? Wrightstown Township is a small, low-inventory market in Bucks County. Homes here tend to be larger properties on bigger lots, and the buyer pool is specific. Homes that are priced well and show no deferred maintenance tend to move within a few weeks. Homes with unresolved inspection issues, including sewer concerns, can sit longer or face price reductions after a buyer’s inspection.
Is Wrightstown Township a good place to buy a home right now? Wrightstown has stayed relatively affordable compared to neighboring townships while still sitting within the Council Rock School District. Inventory is consistently tight, which tends to protect values. Buyers willing to move quickly on the right property tend to do well here. The proposed sewer ordinance is worth understanding but should not discourage buyers — it is a sign the township is investing in its infrastructure.
Source: Bucks County Herald, 4/5/2026
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