Smoke Testing in Ridgefields
The Utility Department will be conducting “Smoke Testing” of the wastewater system in the Pendragon section of the Ridgefields next week.
The contractor performing the testing has been knocking on doors and leaving door hangers on those they don’t get an answer.
For more information, please visit this website: https://bit.ly/3WfNJJW
Below are some common FAQs:
Q: What is Smoke Testing?
A: Smoke testing is the industry standard and an efficient, cost effective way to locate and identify leaks and the source of storm water infiltration problems in the sanitary sewer system.
Q: Will smoke enter my home?
A: Not if you have water in your drain traps which is normal with occasional to frequent use of plumbing. Please run some water through drains that haven’t been used recently. Also, smoke can sometimes come through the drain that older style washing machines connect into. If there is a gap at this connection, we suggest putting a damp rag where the washing machine tube connects to the drain to help ensure the non-toxic smoke doesn’t enter.
Q: Is the smoke dangerous?
A: The smoke is nontoxic and nonhazardous and is manufactured specifically for this purpose. It leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effects on plants or animals. You can find more information on the safety of the material used to generate the vapor used during smoke testing here: https://www.hurcotech.com/_files/ugd/5f355f_5a1fa9b7745444ceb18a100d089af3b1.pdf
Q: What should I do if smoke enters my house during smoke testing?
A: Contact one of our field crew members and we will cease smoke generation. We have equipment to pull the smoke from inside the house and release it into the air if you would like. We do not need to enter your house to do this, only to put a flexible duct inside the doorway. You may also call Call 423-229-9454 or email us at sewertesting@lja.com
Q: How long will LJA be doing smoke testing in my neighborhood?
A: Weather permitting, we should complete the work in approximately 1 week.
Q: Can I call 911 if I see smoke?
A: Yes, however, all emergency agencies have been notified of the smoke testing work and will know how to respond as calls come in.
Q: How will this benefit me and my neighbors?
A: Using this evaluation technique, we can find defects in the underground sanitary sewer that cannot be seen otherwise. This allows us to repair these defects which can cause overflows and backups during heavy rain events.
