Sewer system smoke testing scheduled April 17–18

The following is a release from Worcester County:

(April 15, 2024) Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater (WWW) Division will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system from April 17th – April 18th, 2024, between Commons Street, Emory Drive, and Pennington Place.

This study will involve opening and entering manholes in the streets and public utility easements to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system.

A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. It leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke is visible and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor that should last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in homes and buildings are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter these facilities in the following instances:

· Vents connected to a building's sewer 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 wastewater drain system in and under buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

The smoke test can reveal the presence, if any, of sewer gas, which can be dangerous and a health risk to occupants. In the event that smoke enters your home or business, please contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or by contacting WWW at 410-641-5251, Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.