City to Conduct Smoke Test on Sewer Lines

Work to Begin January 18

January 13, 2022

In its continued commitment to enhance wastewater infrastructure and protect the environment, the City of Tallahassee's Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure Department will conduct smoke testing of its wastewater collection system beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18. This routine, preventative maintenance test will help identify potential points of unwanted infiltration in the sewer system, thereby improving wastewater treatment operations and efficiency.

Smoke testing activities will occur in pockets throughout Tallahassee. Gulf Coast Underground, assisted by City crews, will perform this work on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Detailed location information is available online at Talgov.com/Projects, and the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of February 2022.

Residents and business staff do not need to be at their properties during the testing, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Notification and detailed information will be provided via door hangers along streets where testing will take place.

The test consists of sending safe, vegetable oil-derived smoke into the sewer lines and observing where it escapes to determine the location of possible defects. Crews then identify any areas of potential concern and, in many cases, are able to correct issues on the spot.

While smoke can be expected to flow out of manhole covers and vent stacks on roofs, it should not enter homes; however, there is no cause for concern should this happen. The odorless smoke leaves no residuals and has no adverse effect on people, plants or animals. To reduce the likelihood of smoke entering a building, the City recommends that residents in affected areas pour 2-3 gallons of water into seldom-used sinks and floor drains, where the smoke could enter. This may be done at any time prior to the test.

Smoke testing is an efficient and cost-effective method used to ensure the integrity of the sewer system and is part of the City's proactive maintenance program to maintain high quality performance.

For more information, please call 850-891-4968 or visit Talgov.com/YOU.