Smoke Testing

Sewer System Smoke Testing

To perform smoke testing, crews access manholes and force air combined with non-toxic smoke into sewer mains to discover the locations of leaks and non-permitted connections. Smoke testing helps locate defective openings and inappropriate connections in the City’s sewer system that allow rainwater runoff to enter, decreasing the system’s capacity and ability to handle normal flows. By finding and repairing these defects, the city is able to defer expensive infrastructure needs and reduce the burden on utility customers.

A defective opening is detected if smoke is seen coming up out of the ground or other unexpected locations. During testing, residents will see smoke exit from rooftop vents pipes on homes and commercial businesses, from manholes, and from the ground where broken sewer pipes may exist. The smoke is non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue, dissipates quickly and is harmless to animals. The smoke will not enter a home or business unless there is defective plumbing present, or the drains have dried out.

When wastewater collection system repairs are needed, City crews will schedule repairs and notify homeowners in advance of the work. Due to the number of defects typically identified during this process, repairs may be scheduled several months after smoke testing is completed.