Smoke Testing

A field crew from Yorktown Sewer Department will use a blower technique to test sewer lines with smoke tablets. Smoke blowers are placed on manholes and smoke is blown through the sewer system. Any location where smoke is identified during the test, except plumbing vent stacks, is a potential Infiltration/Inflow source for storm water or ground water to enter the collection system.  

The Town is required by regulatory authorities to be continuously assessing the performance and operation of the sanitary sewer collection system.  A smoke test is considered an effective method for identifying sources of I/I and will be used by the Department to prevent excessive flow in the system. 

Smoke testing is one technique utilized to identify segments of sewers that may exhibit inflow during heavy rainfall. Smoke testing is best used to detect inflow sources such as roof downspouts, driveway, yard and area drains, foundation drains, illegal connections, and storm water drainage system cross connections. It can also detect structural damages and leaking joints in sewer pipes. 

Affected residents will be notified with an informational letter. Maps of the areas to be tested will also be posted on this webpage.

The smoke that comes out of the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground is non-toxic, harmless. It does not create a fire hazard. The Police and Fire Departments will be made aware of the test areas and schedule. 

Plumbing drain traps are normally filled with water to prevent the smoke from entering the building. If you are concerned about low-use drains, run the faucet for 30-60 seconds or pour about 3 cups of water into floor and sink drains to fill the traps. If smoke does enter, the resident should consult a licensed plumber to perform the repairs. If smoke from the testing can enter through faulty plumbing, the potential exists for dangerous sewer gases to also enter the home. 

Homeowners do not need to be home and at no time will field crews need to enter the residence. Field inspectors will be documenting the testing, taking photos and measuring distances so that the defects may be found at a later date and repaired. 

The Town will notify residents who need to make corrections with a letter explaining the nature of defect found and the type of repair needed.  We will work with property owners on a timeline for repairs if needed. In most cases a property owner will be allotted 30 days to perform any remedial work that is required.