Sanitary Sewer – Smoke Testing

EHRWSD will be conducting leak tests on our sanitary sewer system in the Tarlton service area the week of August 23rd. A non-toxic smoke will be blown into the system to reveal openings that could allow storm water and other surface waters to enter our sewer system. Locating and correcting these leaks will conserve expensive capacity at our treatment facility.

Below is the letter residents in testing areas will be receiving prior to the scheduled test dates.
Please feel free to look over the attached document and preview the instructions.
Smoke Testing Letter


Here are a few visuals on what to expect during the smoke testing process if you have a leak/improperly plumbed drain exposing access to our sanitary sewer system.
These are all representative of improper sewer maintenance conditions or connections which will need corrected by the property owner.


This is an overview of the process and where smoke may appear once pumped into the sewer. The locations shown are representative of faulty or improperly installed plumbing systems.


This picture represents a roof downspout connected to the sanitary sewer.


This picture shows smoke coming up from the yard representing a leaking sewer lateral from the house to the public sewer main.