Sanitary Smoke Testing Services

Sanitary sewer smoke testing is one of the best and most cost effective ways to locate defects in the main and lateral sewer lines. This is why many cities and municipalities implement sanitary smoke testing are their method to assess the sewer system. 

Smoke testing identifies problems in all of the connected lines even in sections that were not known to exist. Although video inspection and other techniques are proven to be useful, there are times when research has shown that more than half of all stormwater actually flows in from somewhere other than the main line. 

With sanitary smoke testing, smoke travels through the system, locating and identifying problems in all of the lines. Experts recommend this to be done when the weather is dry, this allows smoke to travel to the surface. It is also a relatively simple process that consists of blowing smoke mixed with a large amount of air into the sanitary sewer line through a manhole.

What is the purpose of sanitary smoke testing 

Smoke testing is one of the most accurate, effective and cost effective ways to determine if there are any damages, cracks, defects and leaks. Smoke testing has grown in popularity because it not only identifies problems in the main sewer line but it also locates problems in service lateral lines that connect. 

Smoke testing has grown in popularity because it not only identifies problems in the main sewer line but it also locates problems in service lateral lines that connect. This is why many cities and municipalities choose to implement smoke testing as a way of evaluating the state of a sanitary sewer system. By conducting smoke testing, you can protect your home from future damage and costly repairs. ​ ​ 

How does sanitary smoke testing work

Smoke testing involves forcing smoke-filled through a sewer line. Once the smoke is pressured into the main line and any other lateral connections. As the smoke travels through the pipes it will, the source of the problem will be revealed. ​ 

Smoke coming out of the manhole lid will indicate a good system. If the line has defects, the smoke will escape up and through the ground. ​ 

After the initial smoke blowing process is complete, out technicians look for existing smoke exiting the sewer system through multiple locations. ​ 

These locations include: ​ 

• Broken plumbing lines 
• Open sewer clean-outs 
• Mainline leaks 
• Storm drains 
• Private property sewer service lines 
• Deserted sewer lines 
• Yard drains 
• Defective manholes ​ 

As long as there are openings for the smoke to follow, smoke tests will be completely effective and accurate of any defects or damages in the line system. It is one of the most accurate ways to locate any type of infiltration or ex-filtration problems in the sewer system. ​ Why is smoke testing important? Smoke testing helps identify any leaks in buildings or properties. It's a tool that companies all over the nation use as a way of preventing any threat to clean water supply.

Is the smoke hazardous 

Smoke is used in smoke tests to indicate a break or any type of damage or defect in the underground system. Once smoke escapes up and through the ground and not manholes, it indicates there is an issue in the subsurface system. 

The smoke used during sanitary smoke testing is not harmful and will not cause any harm to plants, pets or yourself. The source of smoke comes from a smoke fluid system which is usually a petroleum-based product. The smoke won't be harmful to anything in its proximity. It is also not flammable and does not create a fire hazard. ​ ​ 

Is there anything I can do to prepare for sanitary smoke testing 

During sanitary smoke testing, field crews force smoke into the sanitary sewer. When this process begins, there is a possibility that the smoke will enter the residency, due to infrequently used drains or a defect in the sewer pipes. According to experts, a drain trap is the S-shaped curvature or elbow in the pipe typically found under sinks, is designed to capture and hold water in the trap’s curve. This water then creates a type of seal and blocks gases from exiting through the drain and into the customer’s home. The traps curve will also keep it from going into your home. 

If you have a drain in your home that isn’t always used, we recommend you run water in these areas to maintain it in proper working condition and keep it from becoming a dry drain. By doing this, you are also preventing smoke to enter your home.