Released by the City of Chipley ..
Work related to the City of Chipley’s ongoing sewer system evaluation study began on April 18, 2019, and is expected to continue through mid-October 2019. This work will be used to identify areas of the City where rainwater is entering into the City’s sanitary sewer collection system and prioritize areas for future improvements.
The crews performing the investigations will be “smoke testing” the City’s sanitary sewer collection system as part of this work. The smoke is a non-toxic vegetable based product, has no odor and is stainless. During smoke testing, field crews blow air and smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and monitor where smoke escapes the system. The smoke will follow a path of any leak or connection to the ground surface. Crews from the Water Utilities Department and will access sewer manholes as part of the work.
The smoke testing work will be performed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-October.
A door knocker will be distributed in areas scheduled for smoke testing between 24-72 hours before the work is scheduled to begin.
No interruptions in water or sewer service will occur during these activities.
Crews performing the work will be wearing marked uniforms.
Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is a dry trap in your basement floor drain or any unused plumbing fixtures.
If smoke enters your home, please notify workers in the area.
The work will begin in the northern section of the City and proceed southward, displayed in the map shown below.
For more information please contact Jimmy Cook, Water Utilities Director, at (850) 638-6347 or jcook@cityofchipley.com.
SANITARY SEWER SMOKE TESTING QUESTION AND ANSWER
What is the purpose of smoke testing?
The purpose of smoke testing is to find potential points of inflow and infiltration in the public and private portions of the sanitary sewer system that could lead to high flows in the separate sewer system during storm events. Smoke testing can also help locate the following:
Buildings that have downspouts, cellar, yard or basement drains
Any cross connections between sanitary sewers and storm drains
Catch basins and parking lot drains
Defective sewer connections that could allow sewer gases into a building
Where is smoke testing performed in the sewer system?
The smoke testing is being performed in the areas of the separated sewer system where storm drain and other types of connections that permit rainfall into the sewer system should not exist.
Public Notification
Field crews will distribute a notice door to door approximately 24 to 72 hours in advance. Police, Fire and the Public Works Officials will also be notified daily of work areas.
How does smoke testing work?
During smoke testing, field crews blow air and smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and monitor where smoke escapes the system. The smoke, under pressure, will fill the main line as well as any connections and then follow a path of any leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source of the problem. Only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required, and smoke should escape from building roof vents.
What are the benefits of smoke testing?
Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost effective way to locate and identify where unauthorized water is entering the public and private portion of the sewer system. The smoke is harmless and will disappear after only a few minutes. The testing is also a cost-effective way to find areas of the sewer system that need improvement. Smoke testing will also help identify plumbing leaks in buildings. Sewer gases from plumbing leaks can cause health problems for building occupants.
Is the smoke harmful?
NO. The “smoke” is not true smoke. It will not harm your health or leave a stain and will disappear rapidly without leaving an odor.
If the smoke enters your home, it may make you cough, but the smoke is:
Non-toxic
Non-staining and odorless
Harmless to humans, pets, plants, food and material goods
Creates no fire hazard
Will smoke testing of the sewers allow smoke to get into my home?
No, provided that your plumbing is installed and functioning properly, and provided “traps” are filled with water. Drains that are used frequently should be okay.
If you are not sure, simply run water down the drain for a minute to ensure that the trap is not dry. It is important to locate dry traps as they could allow sewer gases to enter the home. Dry traps are most commonly found in basement floor drains that are used only during rare flood events or in unused fixtures. Please thoroughly check your home.
What does it mean if smoke enters my home?
If smoke enters your home during the test, it may indicate there are deficiencies in the plumbing that may allow potentially dangerous sewer gases to enter.
How may the smoke enter my house?
Since plumbing fixtures in your home or business are connected to the sanitary sewer system, there is the potential for the smoke to enter if the drains are not connected properly. This happens particularly under the following circumstances:
The vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective or improperly installed
The traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective or improperly installed
The pipes, connections or seals in the wastewater drain system in and/or under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or improperly installed
What should I do if smoke gets into the house?
Do Not Become Alarmed
Open windows to allow ventilation and note the location of the smoke emission; smoke will clear within a few minutes
Exit the building and notify smoke testing personnel in the area
How long will the testing take?
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.
What should I do to prepare for smoke testing?
When you receive notice that smoke testing will take place, you should:
Check to see that all drain traps under basins, washing facilities and floor drains contain water; simply flush toilets and run or pour water into all drains, including unused fixtures and floor drains.
If there is an individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems and/or mobility limitations, or if you have any additional questions, contact Jimmy Cook, Water Utilities Director, at (850) 638-6347 or jcook@cityofchipley.com.
Do I have to be home during testing?
No. Inspection crews will not need to enter your home unless smoke is present and you want them to help identify the defect. You are not required to allow entry to our crews.