Smoke Testing Sewers in Your Neighbourhood
The Township of Perth East is working with Aquafor Beech Limited and Infrastructure Intelligence Services Inc. (I2S) on an Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Reduction study. The study’s objectives are to identify sources of stormwater entering the sanitary sewers and develop a plan to reduce these flows.
The sanitary sewer system is an underground pipe network that collects wastewater produced by houses, businesses, and industries. The purpose of the pipe network is to direct the wastewater to a treatment plant where the water is treated before being discharged to the environment. I/I occurs when water enters the sanitary sewers through cracks or holes in the pipe network or through other undesired connections such as catch basins or roof downspouts. The increased flow and volume from stormwater and groundwater fills the pipes and reduces the capacity of the pipe network and the treatment plant. This also increases the risk of overloading the pipe network and potential basement flooding.
In order to identify sources of I/I, I2S will be conducting a sewer smoke testing program in your neighborhood from October 5 – October 23, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Smoke testing is a safe and easy way to locate any sources of I/I in the system.
What is smoke testing?
The smoke test consists of blowing a harmless coloured vapour into the sewer manholes and pipes and observing where the smoke exits from the system. The smoke is expected to exit primarily out of manholes on the street and the sewer plumbing stack at the top of your house. Itis also possible for smoke to exit stormwater catch basins and roof downspouts at the side of a house. The smoke used in the test has no odour, isn’t harmful to your health, and will disappear after a few minutes.
What you need to do?
When you receive this notice, pour one pail (5 to 6 litres) of water into any infrequently used sinks, appliances and your basement floor drain to fill your plumbing traps (your plumbing traps will
remain full during the testing period noted above). Doing this helps stop smoke from getting into
your home by keeping the plumbing traps full of water.
Note: You do not need to be home for the smoke testing, but you can be home while thetest is occurring.
Contacts:
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact:
I2S
Gary Chung, C. Tech.
Assistant Project Manager
416-919-2636
gary.chung@i2sinc.ca
Aquafor Beech
Matt Malone Project Manager
647-203-9024
malone.m@aquaforbeech.com
Township of Perth East
Jake Collings P.Eng.
Manager of Public Works
519-595-2800 x 234
jcollings@pertheast.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sanitary sewers?
Sanitary sewers are pipes that are found underground that collect the wastewater produced by homes, businesses and industries and direct it to a treatment plant.
What is the purpose of smoke testing the sanitary sewer system?
The purpose of the testing is to make sure the sanitary sewer is working at its best. Smoke testing is a simple, cost effective and quick method of testing the sanitary sewer system. It can locate where stormwater is entering the system.
What should l do to prepare for smoke testing?
Fill drains and rarely used sinks with one pail (5 to 6 liters) of water on the day you receive this notice.
Will smoke enter my home?
The smoke is not intended to enter your home, only the internal plumbing system. Each drain should have a plumbing trap installed (see picture on the right). This will prevent smoke from entering your home. If you are home and the smoke enters during testing, note the location of the smoke and contact I2S or speak with one of the crew members conducting the test about the location of the smoke. If you think there is smoke present from a source other than the testing, it is advised to call 911.
Is the smoke harmful? I have pets. Should I be concerned?
No. The smoke is not harmful to your health, it dissipates quickly, and it will not harm clothing, draperies or furniture. The smoke is not harmful to pets. If you will not be home, you could leave windows partially open for ventilation should any smoke enter your home.
If smoke gets into the house, how long does it take the smoke to fade?
The smoke will dissipate in a few minutes. If you are home and the smoke is bothering you, leave the room and turn on an exhaust fan and/or open a window to speed up the process.
Is property access required?
Property access will not be required. I2S staff will be wearing identification badges, orange safety vests and will not need to enter your home. Staff will take photographs and record videos to document your property’s inlet connectivity and testing results.