The manhole inspections are in progress. Smoke testing and sewer line cleaning should begin sometime in November. At least 48 hours before conducting smoke tests or sewer line cleaning, crews will hang a notification letter on the front doors of homes and businesses in the testing area. It will take about one month for these activities to be completed. Weather conditions determine when smoke testing can be done.
Smoke testing is done to locate holes and cracks in both the public and private wastewater lines.
Smoke testing involves field inspection crews opening and entering manholes to inject a non-toxic, harmless, odorless smoke into the sewer pipes. The smoke does not create a fire hazard. Sewer lines are cleaned to remove debris that has accumulated in the pipes, restore the pipes to full capacity and reduce the risk of overflows and household backups. Some sewer lines and manholes are located in backyard easements. Whenever these lines and manholes require investigation, crew members will need access to them.