City of Chanhassen
7700 Market Blvd
PO Box 147
Chanhassen MN
55317
952-227-1100
Fax: 952-227-1110
Disclaimer
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City to Perform
Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing
(Weather Permitting)
The City of Chanhassen has initiated a program of sanitary sewer system repairs and system upgrades to eliminate clear water from entering the sanitary sewer system (inflow). Smoke testing is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to locate and identify the source of an inflow or infiltration problem. It is important to find and identify these sources because they may seriously affect the efficiency of the wastewater treatment facility and increase operating expenses. Some examples of the impact that inflow and infiltration may cause are:
- Sewer may not be able to handle the volume flow and the sewer backs up into properties
- The City is charged for the volume of flow in the sewer. The more clear water there is in the sewer, the more the City is charged for treatment which is then charged to the residents
- Pump stations handling large volumes of unnecessary water
- Unnecessary equipment wear
- Increased collection system maintenance and cleaning
Smoke testing is a very quick and easy way to determine if buildings are properly connected to the sanitary sewer system. Smoke should exit the vent stacks of the surrounding properties within the testing area. If traces of the smoke or its odor enter a building, it is an indication that gases from the sewer system may also be entering. If smoke is entering a home or business, sewer gases could be entering as well. The smoke that is manufactured specifically for testing is not dangerous or toxic, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effects on plants or animals. It has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. The visible smoke and odor will last for only a few minutes if there is adequate ventilation. A few of these sewer gases have no odor and present the most serious problem because they can enter a building undetected. These gases can cause anything from minor illness to death. Identifying and correcting the source of any smoke entering a building is urgently advised.
HOW DOES SMOKE TESTING WORK?
Smoke testing is conducted by placing a blower over a centrally-located manhole and forcing non-toxic smoke-filled air through a sewer line. Depending on the equipment being used, the smoke will be generated by lighting a smoke bomb or utilizing liquid smoke. The smoke under pressure will fill the main line and any connections. It then follows the path of the leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source of inflow and infiltration. Only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required.
After placing the blower and filling the lines with smoke, staff will perform a visual inspection of the area being tested. Typically, the smoke will run until the crew has had ample time to do a thorough inspection.
All connected lines will be checked, including abandoned and disconnected service lines. It is important to carefully check around houses, with close attention given to cleanouts and roof leaders. It is not uncommon to see smoke coming out of the grass, wooded areas, or cracks in the pavement. If smoke is found during the inspection, it will be recorded so that it can be corrected after the testing.
Diagram showing locations where smoke may exit in and around your home |
Example of smoke exiting an
uncapped service line cleanout |
Click HERE to view the notice published in the Chanhassen Villager.
View the following informative video captured by Channel 4 in St. Louis, MO, illustrating how smoke testing is conducted. You will also see what the defects found look like on your home and property.
WHAT AREAS OF THE CITY WILL BE TESTED?
Smoke testing will occur in the following areas in the City (click on each link to view a detailed map in pdf format showing the area being tested):
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