Smoke testing involves forcing smoke-filled air through a sewer line. The smoke under pressure will fill the main line plus any connections; then follow the path of the leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source of the problem. Only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required.

As long as openings exist for the smoke to follow, smoke tests are effective, regardless of surface type, soil type and depth of lines.

• Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost effective way to locate and identify infiltration and exfiltration problems in sewer systems.
• Smoke testing is becoming a requirement nationwide for locating the problems that our threatening our supply of clean water and costing millions of dollars in additional waste water treatment.
• Smoke testing helps identify plumbing leaks in buildings. Sewer gases can cause health problems for building occupants.

If your property is not owner-occupied, we ask that you help us by forwarding this important information to anyone living or working there. If you have any questions or desire more information, please call (919) 469-4090 during regular office hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or visit our Web site anytime at www.townofcary.org.