Thank you for visiting our website to research sewer smoke testing being planned for sewer locations in Anderson County Water Authority's service area.
Utilities that operate sewer collection systems face many challenges that can impact sewer rates and regulatory issues. Intrusion and infiltration of storm water is a major source of increasing waste water treatment costs that can impact sewer rates and can lead to issues that result in regulatory issues. Anderson County Water Authority is committed to finding ways to lessen the impact to sewer rates. Sewer smoke testing is an effective method in finding sources of storm water entering the sewer collection system. These areas where storm water enter are areas that are defective and need repair to minimize future sewer costs.
The following list provides information for questions or concerns you may have about the sewer smoke testing. Please feel free to call our office if you have concerns or questions that you are unable to find answers for on this page.
The Test
Sewer smoke testing is conducted by sectioning off a portion of the sewer mains usually from manhole to manhole and forcing smoke into the sewer pipes using a specially design fan blower. This smoke is forced by the fan into the pipes and naturally the smoke rises trying to exit to the air. The smoke should exit throught the sewer vents atop residences and other buildings but should not exit through gutters, downspouts, indoor plumbing drains, around toilets, in the yard or other areas of property.
What to do if smoke or unusual smell is found inside a building during the test?
If smoke or an unusual odor enters your residence during the sewer smoke test then this indicates you may have an issue needing repair and attention. Smoke will enter your residence if you have broken sewer pipes, sewer traps under sinks, tubs or showers that are dry. These sewer traps are designed to have standing water in the trap to prevent gases and smells from entering your house. If you have drains that are not frequently used please run water into these drains for 30 seconds once a week to prevent the trap from becoming dry and allowing sewer smell and gases from entering the residence. This practice will help keep the smoke from the test from entering the residence also.
Is the test dangerous?
Sewer smoke testing is a widely used procedure by utilities. ACWA is using a well known and tested system to conduct these tests and the product used in making the smoke is laboratory tested and non toxic. However for those that are sensitive to smoke the test may be an irritant but yet safe. Please use caution if you do see smoke or an unusual odor and notify ACWA's office. Any smoke or odor that does enter your home during the test should quickly disappear. Opening your doors and windows temporily is a faster way to ensure the smoke leaves quickly. The product used is also tested to ensure it does not stain or leave a residue within a residence or elsewhere.
ACWA Personnel
ACWA will not be required to enter homes during this test. You may see several ACWA vehicles in your neighborhood the day of the test. ACWA personnel may have to enter your property to document locations of found sewer leaks and also to access manholes commonly found in easement areas in neighborhoods. If you experience smoke in your residence during the test please feel free to contact personnel that are onsite to ask questions.
What if a leak is found on my property
If a leak or other issue is found on your property that is the reponsibility of the property owner a letter will be sent to the mailing address of the sewer account indicating the issue, how to have it corrected and the time frame allowed to correct the issue. Due to the severity of issues that storm water entering the sewer mains cause, ACWA is required to enforce the corrective actions required by property owners. We are committed to helping property owners find solutions to correct the issues as we partner together to improve the sewer system for the community.
