Wastewater Collection · Inspect and Clean
What Is Sewer Smoke Testing?
Smoke testing can reveal openings where air—and often unwanted water—moves through the system.
A crew uses a blower to send non-toxic test smoke into an isolated part of a sewer under an approved plan. Smoke may appear from roof vents, broken cleanouts, yard drains, cross-connections, defective manholes, or damaged pipe near the surface. The utility notifies residents, businesses, fire services, and other partners as required so the test is not mistaken for a fire. Operators document where smoke appears but do not assume every location has the same cause. Smoke from a plumbing vent may show a normal open path. Smoke inside a building may point to a dry trap or plumbing defect. Weather and wind affect the test. Crews keep the work area safe and follow local rules about the smoke product and public notice.
Keep learning
Introduction to Wastewater Collection Systems
This page comes from the free course. It follows wastewater from the building drain through sewers and lift stations to treatment, one step at a time, with short knowledge checks and a certificate of completion.
Take the course