If you’re interested in sewer smoke testing, you should know what it entails. First, a field technician will blow over a maintenance hole in your neighborhood. Then, nontoxic smoke is pumped through the sewer line. When the smoke exits, it can indicate the location of a broken pipe or maintenance hole.
Identifying underground connections
Smoke testing is one of the best ways to find leaks in a sanitary sewer. A non-toxic smoke is pumped through connected pipes and detects defects. Smoke may come from roof vents, catch basins, and yard cleanouts. Smoke may also appear from cracks in the sidewalk or pavement, private connecting sewers, and unused floor drains and plumbing fixtures. A sewer smoke test can detect leaks and defects in the main sewer line and service laterals.
When smoke tests are conducted, field crews place door hangers in areas where sewer smoke may be visible. For example, smoke is blown through a manhole, and the exiting smoke may show the location of a sewer leak or other problem. In addition to smoke from sewer lines, smoke testing can also reveal other underground connections, such as a parking lot drain. If a building has a connection to the sewer system, this can result in a sanitary sewer overflow.
Identifying large defects
If your home has sewer problems, you may be able to detect them with smoke testing. The smoke test involves injecting non-toxic smoke into the sanitary sewer system. When the smoke reaches a defect in a sanitary sewer line, it will appear in the area around nearby manhole lids and the ground above the affected portion. Typically, smoke will also be visible where the sanitary sewer line has cross-connections with a storm sewer system. Smoke may also be visible from plumbing vent roof stacks or building roof vents.
Sewer smoke testing is a crucial safety procedure. Workers blow smoke into sewer systems to detect leaks. These tests are conducted through manholes in the street or public utility easements. The smoke produced by this method is non-toxic and leaves no residue, unlike other sewer leak detection methods. Fortunately, the smoke also has a distinct odor. It is important to note that the smoke is visible for only a few minutes and that proper ventilation is available.
Identifying drain traps
Identifying drain traps during sewer smoke tests is a necessary safety precaution. If your drains are not functioning properly, smoke could enter your home through the vents and pipes. If you are experiencing a problem, call a licensed plumber to assess the situation. Identifying the drain traps can also help you determine the source of the smoke. To prepare your drains for smoke testing, pour water into each drain, including floor drains. You should fill the drain traps before smoke testing but only do this once. Smoke testing does not require that you be home during the smoke test, and no residents should be displaced.
Smoke tests are non-toxic but can help detect illegal cross-connections. Identifying drain traps can catch illegal cross-connections. During smoke tests, inspectors look for improper connections to sewer pipes and drain and can see these issues by looking at the location of drains and traps.
Performing the test
While a sewer inspection and smoke test might be out of sight and out of mind, the former is more visible. The smoke generated during a test will not enter your home or business. In contrast, smoke released from a sewer pipe inspection can get into your home or business through a cracked or dry drain trap. Fortunately, a smoke test machine doesn’t release dangerous chemicals into the air and will quickly dissipate.
A smoke test is the best way to locate leaks in sewer pipes, allowing you to fix the problem before it becomes too severe. In addition, smoke testing is the most economical method to find water infiltration and leaks. And since the results are immediately visible, the costs to your municipality are minimal. Smoke testing has proven its effectiveness for thousands of cities, eliminating countless faults and allowing immediate remediation.
Health concerns
You might be worried about health concerns when sewer smoke testing is conducted, but don’t be. There are no toxic fumes and no stains or residues. The smoke used during the test comes from the specially manufactured mist that won’t harm anyone. Sewage smoke testing requires no entry into your home and can be performed safely without causing any damage. The sewer smoke testing machines blow the smoke through a maintenance hole on the street. The smoke follows the water trail back up to the surface.
This process is performed to identify problems in sewage pipes and sewer systems. It can also identify areas of inflow of stormwater into sanitary sewer pipes. Smoke testing can be an excellent way to avoid costly sewer clean-ups and environmental damage. It is typically scheduled in select areas of the sewer system, including the main street and private sewer laterals. The tests take about an hour and are done with gloves to protect the surrounding area.
Planning for the test
When planning sewer smoke testing, homeowners should keep in mind that they may see smoke entering their homes. The smoke produced by sewer tests is non-toxic, odorless, and stain-free, so it’s safe for humans and animals to breathe. It can also be harmless for plants, food, and materials.
Community leaders should notify residents about the smoke testing project in advance to prepare. For example, if smoke is a problem in a home, a homeowner can seal off a plugged open-drain trap with a bucket of water or a small pool. Another way to prevent smoke from entering a home is to remove a roof downspout connected to the sewer system. Residents can also attend public meetings to learn more about the testing if a smoke issue is identified.
