12/10/2024
🕳️ Burke County Sewer Testing🕳️
🔻 Information Released by Burke County:🔻
“Burke County Alert...
Burke County will conduct smoke testing in the sanitary sewer system in mid-December to check for leaks.
To help notify the public, contractors in high visibility vests will be going door-to-door Monday, Dec. 9th - Wednesday, Dec. 11th, to leave information on this process for homeowners and residents. Weather permitting, the smoke testing will begin Monday, Dec. 16th.
Smoke testing involves blowing smoke into the sanitary sewer system to reveal sources of sewer odors in your neighborhood, as well as places where storm and other surface waters may be entering the system.
A special non-toxic smoke is used in these tests, and leaves no residuals or stains. In addition, it has no effect on animals or plants. The smoke has a distinct, but not unpleasant, odor and is white or light gray in color. If it enters your house or building due to leaks, it should only last a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation.
Some of this smoke may temporarily enter your dwelling, because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, and the following issues are present:
• Vents connected to your 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. Please pour a gallon of water down all drains to fill traps.
• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or are improperly installed.
If traces of the smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that odors from the sewer may also enter. This can be unpleasant, as well as dangerous and a health hazard for occupants (The smoke during the test will be non-toxic and not dangerous).
If you notice this smoke in your residence during the testing period, you are advised to find and identify the location and correct the source of the problem.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call the Burke County Water & Sewer Department during regular business hours at 828-764-9067.”
