Smoke Testing in Sewers Begins Today on 14 Streets

Smoke testing of the sewer system in Lexington begins this week, and will be conducted Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 1, according to a notice from engineering division of the Dept. of Public Works.

Residents are not required to be home during the smoke testing. Notices will be provided 24-72 hours before testing will be conducted. If not home during testing, ventilate areas where pets are, the notice says.

The testing, through Weston & Sampson, involves white smoke introduced to the sanitary sewer system, resulting in white smoke venting through the holes in manhole covers in the street and from plumbing vent pipes on our near roof surfaces.

Smoke should not enter homes unless there is a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect, the notice says. Residents may wish to pour two gallons of water in basement floor drains or unused plumbing fixtures to ensure the drain trap will be effective.

The smoke is non-toxic and non-staining, and dissipates quickly through open windows. Smoke detected within a building should not cause alarm, but should be reported to the workers conducting the tests.

Those with lung ailments or respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema should stay away from the smoke. Anyone with a related health condition is asked to contact Weston & Sampson at 978-977-0110, ext. 2021 and leave a message with name, address and telephone number so precautions may be taken.

Smoke testing Thursday, Aug. 5 will occur, weather permitting, on the following streets:

• Rolling Lane
• School Street
• Ewell Avenue
• Stimson Avenue
• Welch Road
• Grandview Avenue
• Estabrook Road
• Nickerson Road
• Carmel Circle
• Morgan Road
• Aaron Road
• Baskin Road
• Loring Road
• Fair Oaks Drive