Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing In Northborough

NORTHBOROUGH, MA—Northborough is looking to improve the sewer service in town, so it has enlisted a company to conduct smoke testing on parts of the sanitary sewer system.

That will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday, July 16 to July 27. Testing is going to be performed in the areas of Crestwood Drive, Catherine Drive and portions of School Street.

If your property received a hand delivered colored notice, then you are within the limits of this year’s smoke testing. The inspection is being conducted as part of Northborough’s 2018 Annual Infiltration/Inflow Investigations Project with the purpose to locate sources of rainwater entering the sanitary sewer. By removing this extra flow, Northborough will reduce the amount of wastewater it sends to the Marlborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.

During the test, white smoke is introduced to the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During this procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located in the street and from plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface, said the announcement. That's normal; don't be alarmed.

Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is either a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect. You may wish to pour two gallons of water down your basement floor drain or unused plumbing fixture to ensure that the drain trap will be effective.

Should smoke be detected within your building, do not be alarmed. The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining and dissipates quickly. If you've got a lung ailment or respiratory condition, stay away from the smoke.

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