ADS Environmental Services will be performing sewer smoke testing under a contract with the City of Huntsville Water Pollution Control Department. Smoke testing is a diagnostic test in which a non-toxic, non-staining smoke is blown into a portion of the sanitary sewer system. Smoke will then exit from defects in the system, so their locations can be flagged, photographed and documented.

Smoke testing is one of the tools available to help identify areas where excessive storm water and groundwater are inadvertently entering the sanitary sewer system. This allows the City to identify where the sewer needs repair and/or rehabilitation, restore lost capacity to the system and provide structural improvements.

Much of the sewer system is generally perceived as ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’ by the public and the same is true for most sewer inspection and testing activities. Smoke testing, however, can be more visible. Under normal circumstances, smoke from this testing will not enter homes or businesses. However, on occasion, smoke will enter a residence or business through defective plumbing or dry drain traps. If smoke does enter a home or business, it will dissipate quickly once doors and windows are opened.