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SAMPLE SMOKE TESTING LETTER AND DOOR TAG
County of York - Smoke Testing FAQs
What is the purpose of smoke testing?
Smoke testing is used to find possible leaks in
the sanitary sewer system. When you receive notice that smoke testing will
take place, you should check to see that all drain traps under basins,
washing facilities and floor drains have water in them. To do so, simply
flush toilets and run water into all drains.
How much water should be poured down the drains?
Running water into each sink, tub, floor drain,
etc., for 10 seconds will be sufficient.
If you will be there within a 30-day period, how
do I know when to run the water?
The traps shouldn't dry out within the 30-day
time period from when you received the letter. It evaporates slowly.
If the smoke testing is done in the morning and
no one is at home, will the homeowner be able to tell if there had been
smoke in the house we they arrive back home?
The smoke will have dissipated, but there will
probably be a lingering sewer odor that would indicate there is a leak. A
plumber should be called.
What should I do if smoke gets into the house?
If smoke enters your home or business during
testing, open windows to allow ventilation and note the location of the
smoke. Smoke will clear within a few minutes. Contact a plumber.
If smoke gets into the house, how long does it
take to dissipate?
This will depend upon how much smoke enters the
building and how much ventilation you can provide.
If the smoke is harmless, why are residents
being asked to let the County know about respiratory problems, elderly,
invalids or pets before the testing?
This data will be provided to our inspectors at
the job sites, but is just for informational purposes and not expected to be
needed.
I will not be home during smoke testing, and I
have pets in the house. What should I do?
The smoke is not harmful to pets. It would be a
good idea to leave several windows partially open for ventilation, should
any smoke enter the building. If you have proper plumbing connections and
all of the drain traps have water in them, there should not be any problems.
Will the smoke set off the smoke detectors or
carbon monoxide detectors in my home?
Smoke detectors could be set off; carbon
monoxide detectors, no.
It's been over 30 days and the smoke testing
hasn't been done in my neighborhood. Is there a problem?
No. The testing cannot be done after
significant rain. The ground needs to be generally dry for the smoke test
to be effective. Additionally, existing Utility crews will be performing
the test so if emergencies occur, the scheduled test may be delayed. |
