Smoke testing is a safe, efficient and effective way to identify and locate issues in the sewer system. Smoke testing can alert City crews to any of these issues:
- Leaks and infiltration: Identifies uncontrolled rainwater or groundwater that enters the sewer system.
- Cross-Connections: Can occur where the storm water system is connected to the sanitary sewer system. This means that excess water stormwater can enter the sanitary sewer system.
- Improper sewer connections: Pipes that are not properly connected could allow sewer gases into buildings.
Smoke testing involves blowing a harmless vapour into a sewer. It is highly visible at low concentrations. The smoke is expected to exit from manholes, the sewer stack at the top of your house, catch basins and down spouts.
The City will deliver notices to buildings within the testing area and will inform the local fire and police departments of where they will be conducting smoke testing each day.
During testing, smoke may be seen coming out of the ground, manholes, or sewer stacks and gutters on homes and businesses. Smoke coming out of the ground may indicate a break or other defect in the sewer line that allows smoke to escape up through the ground.
While crews might be in your area for a few hours, each actual smoke test setup takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Most houses will only be within the testing area for one or two tests.
Preparing for Smoke Testing
When you receive notice that smoke testing will take place, you could pour approximately half a litre of water into your basement floor drains. You could also run a small amount of water into any sink, bathtub or other fixture that may not have been used for a long period of time.
If there is an individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems or mobility limitations, or if you have any additional questions, contact the City's Dogwood Operations Centre at dogwood.operations@campbellriver.ca or 250-286-4033.
Smoke in your Home
It is possible, although rare, that smoke could enter a residence. Some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:
- vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed
- traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing
- pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed
If smoke enters your home, do not be alarmed. Open windows to allow ventilation; the smoke may set off your smoke alarm. Note the location of the smoke emission. Smoke will clear in a few minutes. If you have any doubts about the origin of the smoke, please notify smoke-testing personnel in the area.
Although the smoke vapour is harmless, we recommend evacuating your home. This is precautionary, in case the smoke is due to a real fire. The smoke may also indicate that sewer gases are able to enter your home.
Next Steps
If smoke vapour is seen within a house or structure, our crews will attempt to notify the homeowners of these potential defects. Owners will be responsible for repairs to private-property plumbing.
The City is responsible for repairs to the sewer system from the property line. Should an issue be discovered, residents and business owners will be notified of City work plans and schedules for repairs.