Smoke Testing in Delhi

Smoke testing consists of blowing a harmless visible vapour into the sewer manholes and pipes and observing where the smoke exits from the system. The smoke is expected to exit primarily out of manholes on the street and the sewer plumbing stack at the top of houses. It is also possible for smoke to exit stormwater catch basins and roof downspouts at the side of a house. The smoke used in the test has no odour, isn’t harmful to your health and will disappear after a few minutes. During the smoke testing, Civica staff will complete a quick walk around your property to identify locations where smoke is exiting the sewer system. Staff will not need to enter your house to conduct the smoke test at any time. 

To better understand the process, view this short video about testing in the sanitary system.

Once you've received the delivered notice from Norfolk County, pour one pail (five to six liters) of water into any infrequently used sinks and your basement floor drain to fill your plumbing traps (your plumbing traps will remain full during the testing period).

You do not need to be home for the smoke testing, but you can be home while the test is occurring.

Please notify Civica prior to testing if there is any individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems or is immobile.

Sanitary sewers are pipes that are found underground that collect the wastewater produced by homes, businesses and industries and direct it to a treatment plant.

The purpose of the testing is to make sure the sanitary sewer is working at its best. Smoke testing is a simple, cost effective and quick method of testing the sanitary sewer system. It can locate where stormwater is entering the system

Fill drains and rarely used sinks with one pail (five to six liters) of water on the day you receive the hand-delivered notice from the County.

The smoke is not intended to enter your home, only the internal plumbing system. Each drain should have a gooseneck installed. This will prevent smoke from entering your home. If you are home and the smoke enters during testing, note the location of the smoke and contact Civica or speak with one of the crew members conducting the test about the location of the smoke. If you think there is smoke present from a source other than the testing, it is advised to call 911.

No. The smoke is not harmful to your health, it dissipates quickly, and it will not harm clothing, draperies or furniture. The smoke is not harmful to pets. If you will not be home, you could leave windows partially open for ventilation should any smoke enter your home.

The smoke will dissipate in a few minutes. If you are home and the smoke is bothering you, leave the room and turn on an exhaust fan and/or open a window to speed up the process.

Access to the outside of the home is required, including backyards (when easily accessible). No internal access to homes will be needed for this testing.