The City of Covington has hired Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC to conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in upcoming weeks throughout the downtown area. This testing is scheduled to begin on October 31, 2018.
These tests involve blowing harmless smoke into the sewer system to find damage, breaks and where unwanted infiltration may be entering the system.
As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, sewer laterals, or manhole covers. The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items. If smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation. The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the water traps contain water.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:
- Vents connected to your building's pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
- Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
- Pipes, connections and seals of the drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.
If smoke appears in your home or business, please call 911. Our Fire Department is aware of the testing and is ready to inspect your home or business to both rule out fire and advise a representative of the testing crew.
