Smoke Testing of Sewer Lines

As part of its continued commitment to enhance wastewater infrastructure and protect the environment, the City of Tallahassee's Underground Utilities will conduct smoke testing in northwest Tallahassee beginning September 12, 2022. This routine, preventative maintenance test helps identify potential points of unwanted inflow and infiltration in the sewer system, thereby improving wastewater treatment operations and efficiency.

A map showing the test areas is linked below. Neighborhoods where testing will occur include, but are not limited to, Scenic Heights, Hartsfield Village, Hartsfield Woods, Linwood Manor, Rexwood and Astoria Park.

Click the image to view maps of all of the testing areas.

Gulf Coast Underground, assisted by City crews, will perform this work on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

The test consists of forcing safe, vegetable oil-derived smoke into the sewer lines and observing where it escapes to determine the location defects. The odorless smoke leaves no residuals or stains and has no adverse effect on people, plants or animals.

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 to nearby properties prior to testing.

While smoke can be expected to flow out of manhole covers and vent stacks on roofs, it should not enter homes. 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 rise due to dry plumbing P-traps. This may be done at any time prior to the test.

Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost-effective method to locate the source of inflow and infiltration into the sewer system. Identifying and eliminating leaks is an ongoing effort by the City's Underground Utilities to improve the performance of the sewer system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Sewer Line Smoke Test"?

Smoke testing of sanitary sewers is primarily used to find places where ground water and stormwater runoff can enter the sanitary sewer system. It involves forcing smoke into the sewer pipes to detect leaks, breaks, and defects in the lines.

This diagnostic procedure is the most efficient and cost-effective means to identify the source of a problem. Problems can affect the efficiency the wastewater treatment system and increase operating costs. Locating and correcting these problems will lead to a more reliable and efficient sanitary sewer system.

What is the project timetable?

The overall project is scheduled to begin Sept 12th, and will last approximately two months, weather permitting. Work days will be Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Testing will take place in a portion of northwest Tallahassee. Door tags will be distributed to impacted homes and businesses at least 24 hours prior to testing.

Is the smoke testing safe?

The smoke testing procedure has been recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The smoke used for this test is manufactured from vegetable oil specifically for this purpose. Odorless and safe, it creates no fire hazard, leaves no residuals, or stains, and has no adverse effect on people, plants, and animals.

IMPORTANT: While the testing is safe, it is advisable for certain residents to take precautions. Those with heart conditions, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory conditions are being asked to notify the City to assure safe testing at their home. Please re-queue these calls to Station 21.

Please record contact information for customers with health concerns and forward to Carlton Wesley Walker at carlton.walker@talgov.com. Wesley's phone number is 850-281-7453.

What do residents need to know?

They do not have to be home.
The procedure should only affect their home for about 15 minutes.
Smoke coming from vent stacks on roofs and manhole covers is normal.
The contractor is Gulf Coast Underground.
Crews will be in uniforms and easily recognizable.
Emergency personnel, such as City Police and Fire, and Leon County Sheriff's Office have been notified.
VERY IMPORTANT: Smoke should not enter homes unless plumbing is defective or there are dry sink drains and floor traps. (Pouring two gallons of water into seldom-used sinks and drains will help prevent smoke from entering the house).

Who should residents contact for technical information?

Any technical inquiries should be directed to Eric Etters at eric.etters@talgov.com or 850-294-9081, or Jarrod Whitaker at jarrod.whitaker@talgov.com or 850-694-8006.