Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is the fastest way to find where outside water is getting into a sanitary sewer, giving municipalities and utility directors a clear map of what needs attention before the next heavy rain proves it for them.
What is Smoke Testing?
Smoke testing forces non-toxic, non-staining smoke into a section of sanitary sewer pipe under light pressure. Anywhere the smoke exits that isn’t a designated vent is a defect, a cross-connection, or an illicit entry point. Crews walk the surface and mark every location where smoke appears, building a documented list of problem spots for the utility to prioritize and address.
The process is fast, visible, and requires no excavation. A crew can cover significant ground in a single day and produce a report that gives the utility director a clear picture of system integrity across an entire service area.
When municipalities plan a smoke test, advance notice to residents is standard practice so the appearance of smoke from yard vents or foundation walls doesn’t cause concern. MVP can advise on notification language and logistics as part of the project.
When smoke testing is the right call:
- Locating inflow and infiltration sources in public sanitary sewer systems
- Pre-storm-season system audits before high-rainfall periods
- Identifying cross-connections between storm and sanitary sewer lines
- Pinpointing illicit connections from private laterals or foundation drains
- Supporting EPA or state compliance requirements for I/I reduction
- Post-rehabilitation verification that repairs eliminated identified entry points
- New system acceptance testing to confirm no cross-connections before handoff