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When the weather is clear and dry, the sanitary sewer system that transports waste water from your home to the treatment facility works without issue. But after heavy rain and severe weather, smoke testing is often needed to ensure the system is functioning properly. Leaks in the pipe lining, broken valves, and corrosion can cause serious problems, and it’s important to make repairs quickly. Many municipalities use smoke testing to spot those issues, but not everyone knows what it does. Here are the answers to the most-asked questions.

4 FAQs About Smoke Testing

1. What Is a Smoke Test?

smoke testingWhen a smoke test is performed, artificial smoke is blown into a blocked-off segment of pipeline. The smoke travels through the pipes in the same way sewage does, and it leads contractors directly to breaks and leaks. If the pipeline is in good condition, the smoke will emerge from the manhole covers and house vents along the route. If there’s a break, it will leak out in other areas, like cracks in the street or residential yards.

2. Is the Smoke Hazardous

The substance used for smoke testing isn’t real smoke. It’s called LiquiSmoke and is harmless to both people and pets. It will not have secondhand smoke health effects, and it won’t permeate your belongings or leave behind a bad smell.

3. Will Smoke Enter my House?

While it’s not likely that smoke will enter your house, it is possible. If the sewer system has no problems, the only smoke you see should be coming out of the vent on your roof. If smoke starts leaking out of your drains, it’s an indication that there’s a break somewhere in your sewage system.

4. What if I Don’t See Smoke?

Not seeing smoke is a good thing. It means the pipeline is diverting everything along the proper path and not sending dangerous sewer gases onto your property. The smoke will appear at the nearest manhole along the blocked-off path. In rare cases when no smoke appears at the manhole, an investigation is performed to find out where it went.

 

Smoke testing is a common process in most neighborhoods connected to the city’s water treatment facility. As a homeowner, you have nothing to worry about. If you have more questions about smoke testing, ask the professionals at American Rooter in Watertown, CT. They’ve specialized in sewer cleaning and maintenance since 1980. Call them at (888) 863-4638 or visit their website for more information.

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