Smoke testing is a cost-effective method to find defects that contribute infiltration and inflow (I&I) in a sanitary sewer system. Using high powered smoke blowers, a mixture of air and non-toxic smoke is forced through the system. Where smoke is visibly seen leaving the system, those locations are documented as potential I&I sources.

Smoke testing is necessary to find deficiencies in the sanitary sewer system that allow infiltration and inflow (I&I) into the sanitary sewer system, contributing to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), basement backups (BBs), the loss of sewer system capacity and increasing costs for wastewater conveyance and treatment. The impact of this work is expected to have minimal disruption for residents and will provide benefit for all sewer system users.

No, the liquid smoke we use in smoke testing is specially formulated to be non-toxic and non-staining, and it is not harmful in the presence of humans. It also poses no fire hazard.

In advance of testing, you’ll be notified with letters, door hangers and provided web links to additional info and FAQ’s. Signage will also be posted at work locations and daily email/phone calls will be sent to emergency services and utility owners. Our goal is that the residents will be informed well in advance of testing and that much of the disruption to residents can be minimized. This service can even be helpful to residents and aid in identifying and locating defects within their own internal plumbing.

Smoke should not enter your home unless you have faulty plumbing fixtures, dry p-traps or improper connections to the sanitary sewer. Dry p-traps can be found in sinks, floor drains and showers. Illegal connections include basement footing tiles, diverter valves, combination sumps and storm water sump pumps connected improperly to the sanitary sewer.

If smoke does enter your building, please feel free to call the number on the information letter and/or door tag notice and we can help address any concerns.

If you call 911, the fire department will show up at your residence, but they have already been informed of the smoke testing in your area and will be able to assist you in locating any locations in the building where smoke is entering.

To be ready for smoke testing, keep any smoke testing notices handy with phone numbers to call just in case. You can also fill all drains in the household with a gallon of water. This is to prevent dry drain traps where the water in the drain can evaporate over time allowing sewer odors into the home. Plumbers recommend pouring water down drains at least once a month. This is especially important if you have drains that aren’t frequently used. Pouring water down all your drains will help prevent smoke from coming into your home.