Niles To 'Smoke-Test' Sewers; If Respiratory Problems, Notify

During October and early November, the Village of Niles and consulting engineer Hey and Associates will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in certain areas of the Village, the village of Niles said in a statement.

A smoke test survey will assist our inspection crews in locating breaks and defects in our sewer system.  This allows us to identify sources of unwanted rain water (inflow) and ground water (infiltration) that may be entering the Village’s sanitary sewer system.  

Storm water and ground water entering the sanitary sewer places an unnecessary (and expensive) burden on the pipes and the sewage treatment facility.  It may also cause sewage backups in homes via improper connections such as roof downspouts, building foundation drains, and storm drains.  

The smoke seen coming from the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor, is white to gray in color and creates no fire hazard. 

Sign up to get free news alerts from Patch, and like us on Facebook

Smoke should not enter your home unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain taps.  It is advisable for the home owner to pour a gallon of water into each floor drain prior to our testing, especially seldom used drains and floor drains in your basement, slab floor or garage. Notice will be provided to all homeowners prior to the testing by a door hanger, however is subject to change based upon weather conditions.

If smoke enters your home, there is reason to believe that dangerous sewer gases may also be entering your home or business.  You should come outside immediately and notify our work crews.  If you are not home and discover smoke when you return, please call us at 262-366-5879 so it can be properly documented. 

IMPORTANT! If there is any individual in your home/business who has respiratory problems and is immobile, please notify us at 262-366-5879 prior to testing.  

More information about the smoke testing process and areas to be tested can be obtained by clicking here.