Smoke Testing

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is performed periodically to help identify areas where unauthorized water is entering the sanitary sewer system. Unauthorized water can cause unnecessary infiltration into our system and could potentially cause sanitary sewer backups.

During the testing, a special, non-toxic smoke is forced into the sewer lines. This smoke leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants or animals.

Direct contact with the smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people.

If people in your building have asthma, emphysema or some other respiratory conditions and are planning to stay in the building during the testing, notify  Brentwood Water Services at (615) 371-0080 so we can discuss your case in further detail.

A door hanger explaining this testing will be delivered to each property at least 24 hours prior to testing in the neighborhood.   We will also post notifications on NextDoor for neighborhood testing dates.

Brentwood Water Services approved contractor, Barge Design Solutions, Inc. and Utility Technologies, will perform the smoke testing. The crew members will not request entry into your home, but will be available in the neighborhood to assist you if you have any questions about the process.

This testing cannot be conducted during rainy periods or windy conditions, so it can sometimes be delayed after the first door hanger notice is placed.

Smoke in your Home or Building

To keep smoke from unnecessarily entering your structure, run water into all of your drains for one minute, especially those used infrequently.

Smoke should not enter your structure unless:

 

If you do see or smell smoke in your structure, immediately report it to the testing crew or call Brentwood Water Services at (615) 371-0080.

This may mean that harmful gases from the sewer are entering your structure.

Location, identification and correction of the smoke entering your house is strongly recommended.

Do not be concerned if you see testing smoke coming from your rooftop sewer vents; this is normal.

If you have any questions, or desire more information, please call Brentwood Water Services at (615) 371-0080.

Smoke testing forces smoke-filled air through a sanitary sewer line. The smoke under pressure will fill the main line plus any connections and then follow the path of any leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source of the problem. Only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required.  As long as openings exist for the smoke to follow, smoke tests are effective, regardless of surface type, soil type and depth of lines.

Why Should We Smoke Test?

1. Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost effective way to locate and identify where unauthorized water is entering the sewer system.
2. Smoke testing is becoming a requirement nationwide for locating unauthorized water problems that are threatening the ability to properly treat wastewater and costing millions of dollars to wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Smoke testing will also help identify plumbing leaks in buildings. Sewer gases can cause health problems for building occupants.

Q. Will smoke testing of the sewers allow smoke to get into my home?

A. No, provided that your plumbing drain "traps" are not dry. Drains that are used once every several weeks should be okay. If you are not sure, simply run water down the drain for a minute to ensure that the trap is not dry. It is important to locate dry traps as they could allow sewer gas to enter the home.

Q. We have a sick person in the house.  What should we do if smoke gets into the house?

 A. First, open windows for ventilation. Then, tell the crew chief working in the area that smoke has entered your house. Smoke will soon dissipate. When you receive a notice that smoke testing will take place, you should make sure that all traps under basins, washing facilities, and seldom used floor drains are filled with water.

Q. Is the smoke harmful?

A. No, this process is endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency and has been safely used for more than 20 years. The "smoke" is not true smoke, but rather a mist containing a large percentage of atmospheric moisture that is highly visible at low concentrations. It will not harm your health or leave a stain and will disappear rapidly without leaving an odor. Material Safety Data Sheets can be furnished upon request regarding the smoke. Since any smoke can be an irritant, direct contact with the smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people. Individuals with respiratory problems such as chronic asthma, emphysema or other respiratory conditions should avoid direct exposure to the smoke. Please contact Brentwood Water Services at (615) 371-0080 to discuss your situation in further detail.

Q. What is the purpose of smoke testing?

A.  To find possible leaks in the sewer system, and improper or faulty connections. Smoke testing can help locate problems that building owners or residents are not aware of.

Q.   I will not be at home during smoke testing and have pets in the house. What should I do?

A.    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 building. If the building is properly plumbed and vented and all of the traps have water in them, there should not be any problems.

 

Q.    If smoke gets into the house, how long does it take for the smoke to dissipate?

 A.    This will depend upon how much smoke enters the building, and how much ventilation you can provide. It usually takes only a brief amount of time.

Q.    Can smoke stop up the sewer?