The Village To Begin Smoke Testing Sanitary Sewer System

Press release from the Village of Western Springs:

**UPDATE: due to recent wet weather, smoke testing has been pushed back until Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29.**

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Beginning October 19, the Village and RJN Group are smoke testing portions of the sanitary sewer system. The project is estimated to take 2-3 days to complete. Residents, businesses, and schools within the project area have been notified via mail.

Smoke testing is the simple means of locating openings in the sanitary sewer system that allow surface rainwater to enter the sewers. Air, combined with non-toxic smoke, is forced into the sewer to locate deficiencies in the sewer system. Smoke will appear where there are defects in the main line sewer and private service connections. Smoke may also appear at illegal connections to the sanitary sewer, such as roof drains, patio drains and footing drains.

The smoke should not enter your home unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps. Pour 1 gallon of water down all floor drains and any rarely used sinks/ tubs/ toilets to ensure a water barrier is maintained in the drain traps. The drain trap water barrier is there to prevent sewer gases or odors from entering the building. If the drain trap water barrier is present and smoke does enter your home, the potential exists for sewer gases to also enter your home and you should consult a licensed plumber to fix the problem.

Homeowners do not need to be home and field crews are not required to enter your residence or business. If smoke enters your home, and the field crew is still on your street, please contact a member of the crew or the RJN Field Crew Leader at (630) 639-1914. If you believe the smoke is unrelated to smoke testing, please call 911.

The Village is required to perform smoke testing to comply with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Inflow and Illicit Discharge Control Plan (IICP). Door hangers and roadway signage will appear in the area the day before smoke testing takes place. More information such as the project area map, educational video, and a copy of the letter and door hanger can be found at: www.wsprings.com/smoketesting.

Please contact the Municipal Services Department at 708-246-1800 x 200 or cbreakeyPW@wsprings.com with any questions or concerns. Contact the RJN Field Crew Leader at 630-639-1914 if smoke enters your home during the project.

This press release was produced by the Village of Western Springs. The views expressed are the author's own.