Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is the industry standard method of identifying sources of surface inflow to the sanitary sewer.  A smoke test uses non-toxic smoke and high-capacity blowers to blow smoke through the sanitary sewer pipes.  A blower is placed on top of a manhole, forcing smoke down into the sewer system.  If smoke is seen where there is no connection to the sewer lines, this indicates a place where rain or surface water could enter the system.  During a smoke test, a work crew will walk the neighborhood, take pictures of any faults in the system and take notes of where smoke is coming out of the ground.  

Frequent Asked Questions:

Do I need to be home during a smoke test?
No, homeowners do not need to be home during testing.  Do not leave pets unattended in a confined space.

How will I know if smoke enters my house if I'm not home during testing?
The purpose of sewer smoke testing is to identify improper sources of water entering the public portion of the sewer system.  While it is also beneficial to identify deficient plumbing connections on private property, this is not the main intent of testing and is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain the plumbing on private property.

Will smoke testing the sewers allow smoke to get into my house?
No, if your plumbing is correctly installed and functioning property, and you "traps" are filled with water, then no smoke should enter your home.  

What does it mean if smoke is in my yard or driveway?
This could mean that a drain on the property is connected to the sewer lateral or that the lateral has breaks or cracks in the pipe, causing drain runoff that contributes to sewer backups and overflow.

Is the smoke hazardous?
No.  The smoke is non-toxic and harmless.  It is light in color, leaves no residue and does not create a fire hazard.