Smoke testing is used to identify openings in sewer lines and to develop plans for repair, replacement or improvement.  Eliminating sewer line deficiencies helps to improve sewer capacity and reduce storm water entry into the sanitary sewer system.

The smoke used in this process is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor, is white to gray in color and creates no fire hazard.

When testing is being conducted, a dense grayish/white smoke is blown through the sanitary sewers from a manhole.  The smoke travels the sanitary sewer line and may appear coming from the ground, roof drains, catch basins, house vent stacks or foundation drains connected to the system.  Smoke coming from the ground, catch basins and other parts of the storm water system help to identify the location of defects in the sanitary sewer line. The appearance of smoke coming from house vent stacks is normal, or expected during the process.

As with all planned sewer maintenance activities, affected property owners are notified when smoke testing is conducted.