City: Sewer line smoke testing scheduled
The city of Sanibel reported that from March 3-7, Public Works Utility Division inspection crews and the city’s contractor will conduct a smoke test of sewer lines in neighborhoods throughout the island. It will include a physical survey of the city’s wastewater collection system, which will involve the opening of manholes in the streets and easements.
An important task of the survey will be the “smoke testing” of sewer lines to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. During the test, the public may see smoke coming from vent stacks on buildings or from holes in the ground. Do no be alarmed. The smoke is non-toxic, harmless, has no odor and creates no fire hazard; it will dissipate in a few minutes.
The smoke should not enter buildings, unless the plumbing is defective or the drain traps are dried out. It is recommended that the public pour water into seldom used sinks and floor drains any time before the smoke testing begins. Some sewer lines and manholes are located on private property. If these lines require investigation, members of the inspection crews will need access to the facilities. The workmen do not need to enter buildings.
Potable (drinking) water services or sanitary sewer services will not be interrupted due to the testing.
The routine preventative maintenance test is designed to identify sources of inflow and infiltration (I&I) within the sanitary sewer system. Both inflow and infiltration contribute to excess water in the system, which can lead to sewer backups, overflows and increased operational costs.
For more information, contact the city’s Utilities Division at 239-472-6397.