The City of Dublin is initiating a sanitary sewer study in the Muirfield Village area as part of the City’s program to evaluate older sewers to ensure proper operation and to complete routine maintenance. This study will include smoke testing, which is tentatively scheduled for the week of November 14 – 16, 2018, weekdays only.
Smoke testing is a process in which a special non-toxic smoke is forced into sanitary sewer lines to identify system deficiencies, defects or improper connections. In addition to being non-toxic to humans, animals and plants, the smoke also leaves no residuals or stains.
This process is endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency and has been safely used for decades. The “smoke” is not true smoke, but rather a mist containing a large percentage of atmospheric moisture that is highly visible at low concentrations. It will not harm your health or leave a stain and will disappear rapidly without leaving an odor.
Since any smoke can be an irritant, direct contact with the smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people. Individuals with respiratory problems such as chronic asthma, emphysema or other respiratory conditions should avoid direct exposure to the smoke.
To keep smoke from unnecessarily entering your structure, run water into all of your drains for one minute, especially those drains you use infrequently. Smoke should not enter your home unless vents connected to your sewer pipe are inadequate or improperly installed or the water traps in your home are dry or defective.
If you have any questions regarding this work, please call City Engineer Paul Hammersmith at 614.410.4617 or Engineering Technician I Stephen Beros at 614.410.4620. Your cooperation during the work on this project is greatly appreciated.
Smoke Testing Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of smoke testing?
To find possible leaks in the sanitary sewer system and roof drain connections. Smoke testing can help locate bad connections that home owners or occupants are not aware of.
Is the smoke harmful?
No. It may make you cough, but it is not harmful to your health and will not harm your clothing, drapes or furniture. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available upon request for those wishing to see the materials used.
What can you do to prevent smoke from entering your house?
When you receive a notice that smoke testing will take place, you should check to see that all traps under basins, washing facilities and floor drains have water in them. Pay particular attention to sinks and drains which receive little use.
What do you do if the smoke gets into your house/business?
Contact the crew working in the area. Open windows and doors for ventilation.
How Long Does The Smoke Test Last?
Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Do I need to be home when smoke testing is performed?
Homeowners do not need to be home and at no time will field crews need to enter residences or buildings. Smoke testing crews will be noticeable documenting the testing, taking photos, and making observations.
I have pets in the house. What should I do?
If you must leave your pets unattended, proper ventilation should be provided in the event any smoke enters the building.
What does it mean if smoke is entering a home/building?
If smoke enters your home/building it is an indication that there is a dry P-trap in a sink, tub, shower, washer machine, floor drain and/or a plumbing defect. If the smoke is entering the home/business, so are the sewer gases, which can be both unpleasant and a health risk. The City of Dublin may advise you to contact a plumber.
