Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing begins Aug 15 in Rockwall

SmokeTestingArea — Click image to enlarge.

(ROCKWALL, TX – Aug. 6, 2016) Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, crews will conduct physical inspection of portions of the City of Rockwall’s sanitary sewer system. The study will involve the opening of manholes in the streets and easements. An important task of the inspection will be the “Smoke Testing” of the sanitary sewer lines. Smoke testing helps in the detection of infiltration and inflow sources such as roof downspouts, driveway and yard drains, foundation drains, storm water drainage system cross connections, and structural deterioration and leaking joints in the sanitary sewer pipes.

It is common for smoke to come out of roof vents, building foundations, and manhole covers. The smoke is a non-fire hazardous, nontoxic, and odorless substance that is clean and harmless to humans, pets, food, and material goods. However, it is best to avoid unnecessary exposure to the smoke because any smoke can be irritating to the nasal passages of some individuals. If a person experiences smoke irritation, it should be temporary and quickly disappear after exposure has ceased.

The smoke should not enter a home unless defective plumbing is present or a trap in the plumbing system is dry. If this occurs, the owner of the property should contact their licensed plumber. Should smoke enter your home, you may contact the City at 972-771-7730; they may be able to assist in determining where and why the smoke has entered your home. It is recommended in areas within the home that have plumbing that is not used often (such as a guest bathroom) that water is run through the plumbing fixtures or poured down the drains to ensure a good seal on the traps within the plumbing system to prevent smoke from entering the home.

Some sanitary sewer lines and manholes may be located in easements within backyards. Whenever these lines require investigation, members of the inspection crews will need access to the sanitary sewer lines and manholes in these backyard easements.

Homeowners do not need to be home, and the technicians will not need entry into any home. Photographs will be made of leaks occurring in the system.

“Smoke Test Facts” are included to provide a better understanding of the process along with a map of the area where the testing will occur. If additional information is desired, please call the City of Rockwall at 972-771-7730.

Smoke Test Facts

Is the smoke harmful? No. It may make you cough, but it is not harmful to your health. The smoke will not harm personal items such as clothing, drapes or furniture.

What should I do if smoke gets into the house? Contact the City at 972-771-7730. Open windows for ventilation. The smoke will soon dissipate. When you receive a notice that smoke testing will take place, you should check to see that all traps under basins, washing facilities, and floor drains have water in them.

What is the purpose of smoke testing? To find possible leaks in the sanitary sewer system and that other unwanted connections that direct rain or ground water into the sanitary sewer system.

I will not be at home during smoke testing and have pets in the home. What should I do? The smoke is not harmful to pets. It would be a good idea to leave several windows partially open for ventilation, should any smoke enter the home. Typically, this is not a problem if the plumbing in the home is sound.

If smoke gets into the house, how long does it take the smoke to dissipate? With adequate ventilation, the smoke will dissipate quickly.
Can smoke stop up the sewer? There is no way smoke can stop up a sewer. The smoke is made up of a vaporous substance.

Submitted by Lauri Dodd, Public Information Officer / Marketing, City of Rockwall.

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