Smoke-testing is a low-cost and efficient method of inflow analysis which can greatly simplify the ability to detect sources of water inflow into sewage systems. Crews can quickly trace uncapped or abandoned service lines; illegal connections, infiltrating manholes, sewer gases in homes, line blockages, defective joints and more.

Our smoke blower produces a large volume of harmless, non-toxic, theatrical-grade smoke which is blown through the system from manholes by a high-powered fan. The testing crew then observes the points where the smoke exits. The smoke is expected to exit from manholes, inspection chambers at property line, the sewer stack at the top of the home, catch basins and downspouts. Pneumatic plugs and/or sandbags can be used in the mainline to restrict the smoke to the area being investigated. The test crew inspects landscaped areas, buildings, roof vents, road surfaces, manholes and other potential sources of extraneous water inflow. Survey stakes can be placed in areas where smoke plumes are evident and photographs and reports are used to record the details of the defect for future corrective action.

The vapour should not enter your home if it is properly plumbed and if your sink and drain traps contain water. The vapour used in the test has no odour, is not harmful, and will disappear in a few minutes if it does enter your home for some reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of smoke testing?

The purpose of the testing is to find potential points of inflow and infiltration in the sewer system. Smoke testing can help locate improper connections to the systems and areas where unwanted water is entering the system.

What are the benefits of smoke testing?

Smoke testing is an efficient method of testing the sewer system. The vapour is harmless and will disappear after only a few minutes. The testing is also a cost effective way to find areas of the sewer system that need improvement.

Is the smoke harmful?

No. If the smoke enters your home, it may make you cough, but it is not harmful to your health or that of children or pets. The vapour will not harm clothing, drapes or furniture.

What should I do to prepare for the smoke testing?

If you receive a notice that smoke testing will take place in your area it should have instructions on it for you to follow. Generally speaking, you should check to see make sure that all traps under basins, washing facilities and floor drains have water in them. If you’re not sure, pour a liter or so of water into the drain to fill the trap.

What does it mean if smoke enters my house?

If smoke enters your home during the test, it either means one of your traps is dry or there are deficiencies in the plumbing that may allow sewer gas to enter.

What should I do if smoke gets into the house?

Keep the notification letter near the phone and if smoke does enter your home, contact one of the numbers given on the form. You should also speak with one of the crew persons conducting the test – they will generally be within a block or two of your home while testing. It is important to verify the source of the smoke entering the home as this will indicate how best the problem can be fixed.

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

Open windows for ventilation. The smoke will dissipate in a few minutes.

I will not be at home during the testing and have pets. Should I be concerned?

The smoke is not harmful to pets. If you are concerned about it, you may want to leave windows partially open at your discretion in order to allow any vapour that might enter your home to ventilate more quickly. Though it does happen from time-to-time, if you have proper connections and all of the traps have water in them, there should not be any way for the vapour to enter your home.