FAQ HowToPrepare  
How should I prepare for smoke testing?
 Next: Why test our sewer systems?

Pour 1 gallon of water in every drain including floor drains. This is especially important for drains that have not been used for a long period of time. Look for floor drains that may be under floor mats, carpets, appliances or furniture. It is not uncommon to find a floor drain under carpet in a lower level family room or under a washing machine.

If you have a sump pump or a downspout from your roof-top connected to the sewer system, disconnect it and drain into your yard or street. These connections are illegal and will allow dangerous sewer gasses to enter your home or business. Remember, all sewer gases are dangerous and many have no odor. Contact your city for regulations regarding proper connections and drainage for sump pumps and downspouts.

IF YOU HAVE A HEALTH CONCERN, CONTACT YOUR CITY RIGHT NOW!
Describe your health concern as completely as you can and someone from your city will address your concerns.

What do I do if smoke enters my home or business?

 REMEMBER! Even though the smoke product your city is using is laboratory tested safe, the sewer gases that are traveling with the smoke can be extremely dangerous causing serious health concerns and even death. Remember, all sewer gases are dangerous and many have no odor. If smoke should enter your home or business, take these precautions:
  1. Immediately open several windows in your home or business. Ventilate with a fan if you have one available.
  2. Quickly leave your residence and contact the testing personal in your neighborhood. You should be able to find them within 2 or 3 blocks of your home or business.
  3. If you choose to call the city instead, please have their phone number ready and call from a neighboring house or business, or use your cell phone.
  4. If you are unsure if the smoke is from the tests being done in your neighborhood it could be a real fire, call 911 immediately! Fire smoke usually has a strong smell and is a grayer smoke. The smoke your city is using is nearly odorless and very white in color.
Will my smoke alarm be activated?

Yes! But don’t be alarmed. Follow the above procedures. When the smoke clears the alarm will usually quit. If you are connected to an emergency service, your local emergency personal will be notified. If this happens, determine if the smoke is from the smoke-testing project. If it is, contact your security service and let them know it was a false alarm. IF YOU ARE UNSURE about the origin of the smoke, let them continue with their normal emergency procedures.

What happens if I do have a sewer problem?

Your city will contact you within a short period of time with instructions on what you need to do. They may require a permit to do the repairs and give you a list of licensed contractors in your area. If the smoke problem is outside your home or business, wait for these instructions. If the smoke is in your home, immediately notify the city and make arrangements with a plumber to correct the problem. Remember, all sewer gases are dangerous and some are odorless! Fix your problem right away.

For your Peace of Mind:

 As described in our FAQ presentation, there are many good reasons smoke testing is done. One of the most important, however, is the safety of you and your family. If smoke is entering your home or business, so are dangerous sewer gases. These gases can cause anything from minor, frequent, illnesses to more serious illnesses such as respiratory ailments. Identifying these problems and repairing them will lead to a better quality of life. Your cooperation in this project will be good for you and your community.
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