Part Of Sewer Inspection, 'Smoke Testing' Happening On Myriad Streets

BRANFORD, CT —The town is implementing a sewer inspection program using smoke testing this week, Tuesday to Friday, weather permitting.

Smoke testing is an efficient, cost-effective way to locate and identify breaks, cracks, or defects in our sanitary sewer system.

What does it mean for residents?

During the smoke testing, residents may notice smoke coming from the sewer ventilation stacks on the roof of their homes. The smoke will not enter the homes unless they have a defect or a dried-out trap. The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor, white to gray in color and creates no fire hazard.

Smoke testing, conducted generally from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on sewer lines on select streets will be conducted Tuesday through Friday.

These are the streets, noting inclement weather may delay the schedule:
Avon Road Greenfield Avenue Montoya Drive
Cherry Street Grove Court North Main Street
Cherry Hill Road Hopkins Court O’Brien Road
Circle Drive I-95 on-ramp Exit 53 Segal Lou Road
Clancy Road Liesl Lane Sundance Drive
Commercial Parkway Main Street Todds Hill Road
Cosgrove Court Montoya Circle West Main Street

Here are the answers to some FAQ's:

Q) How does smoke testing work?
A) Field crews blow air and smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and monitor
where smoke escapes the system. The smoke under pressure will fill the main line as well as
any connections and then follow the path of any leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing
the source of the problem.

Q) What are the benefits of smoke testing?
A) Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost-effective way to locate and identify where
unauthorized water is entering the public portion of the sewer system, and find areas of the
sewer system that need improvement. Smoke testing is becoming a requirement nationwide for
locating unauthorized water problems that are threatening the ability to properly treat
wastewater.

Q) What should I do if smoke gets into the house?

A) Do Not Become Alarmed. Open windows to allow ventilation and note the location of the
smoke emission. Smoke will clear within a few minutes. Exit the building and notify smoke
testing personnel in the area or call 203-488-3125.

Q) If the smoke is not harmful, why do you recommend evacuating the structure? A) Evacuating is a precautionary measure in case the smoke is due to a real fire rather than a test, and since smoke in your house from this test indicates other sewer gases may also be entering the building.

Q) What does it mean if smoke enters my house?
A) If smoke enters your home during the test, it may indicate there are deficiencies in the
plumbing that may allow potentially dangerous sewer gases to enter. Plumbing fixtures in your
home or business are connected to the sanitary sewer, therefore there is potential for smoke to
enter if the drains are not connected properly. This happens particularly under the following
circumstances:
- The vents connected to your building s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly
installed.
- The traps under sinks, tubs, basins, etc. are dry, defective, or improperly installed.
- The pipes, connections, or seals in the wastewater drain system in and/or under your building
are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.
- 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 gases to enter the home.

Q) Can the smoke testing activate the smoke alarms?
A) Yes, smoke alarms may activate during smoke testing. If possible, open windows and/or
doors for ventilation. If you have any doubts about the origin of the smoke, please call 911.