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Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing FAQ
Q) How does
smoke testing work?
A) Field
crews blow air and smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and
monitor where smoke escapes the system. The smoke
under pressure will fill the main line as well as any connections and then
follow the path of any leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source
of the problem.
Q) What are
the benefits of smoke testing?
A) Smoke
testing is the most efficient and cost effective way to locate and identify
where unauthorized water is entering the public portion of the sewer system,
and find areas of the sewer system that need improvement. Smoke testing is becoming a requirement
nationwide for locating unauthorized water problems that are threatening the
ability to properly treat wastewater.
Q) How long
will it take?
A) While
crews might be in your area for a few hours, each actual smoke test setup takes
approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Most houses will only be within the testing area for one or two
tests.
Q) What
should I do if smoke gets into the house?
A) Do Not
Become Alarmed. Open windows to allow ventilation and
note the location of the smoke emission.
Smoke will clear within a few minutes.
Exit the building and notify smoke testing personnel in the area. If you have any doubt as to the source of the
smoke in your home or yard, phone 911 immediately.
Q) If the
smoke is not harmful, why do you recommend evacuating the structure?
A) Evacuating
is a precautionary measure in case the smoke is due to a real fire rather than
a test, and since smoke in your house from this test indicates other sewer
gases may also be entering the building.
Q) What
should I do if I have emphysema or respiratory problems? Is
the smoke harmful?
A) Although
the smoke is considered to have no adverse health effects, individuals with
respiratory conditions should take special precautions. Smoke rarely enters a home, but you could sit
outside for the duration of the smoke test (20 min). If you cannot sit outside, open the windows
and shut your bathroom doors. Also, tell
the crewmember who knocks on your door that you have a respiratory condition.
Q) I am a pet
owner and I will not be at home during the testing. Should
I be concerned?
A) The smoke
is not harmful to pets. As long as windows are left
open, any smoke that enters the building will dissipate in a few minutes.
Q) What does
it mean if smoke enters my house?
A) If smoke
enters your home during the test, it may indicate there are deficiencies in the
plumbing that may allow potentially dangerous sewer gases to enter. Plumbing fixtures in your home or business
are connected to the sanitary sewer, therefore there is potential for smoke to
enter if the drains are not connected properly.
This happens particularly under the following circumstances:
- The vents
connected to your building s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or
improperly installed.
- The traps
under sinks, tubs, basins, etc. are dry, defective, or improperly installed.
- The pipes, connections, or seals in the wastewater drain system in
and/or under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are
improperly installed.
- Simply run
water down the drain for a minute to ensure that the trap is not dry. It is important to locate dry traps as they
could allow sewer gases to enter the home.
Q) Can the
smoke testing activate the smoke alarms?
A) Yes, smoke
alarms may activate during smoke testing. If possible,
open windows and/or doors for ventilation.
If you have any doubts about the origin of the smoke, please call
911.