Notice of Smoke Testing

City staff will be smoke testing the sanitary sewer lines in the area.

Work will occur July 2, 2018 & July 3, 2018 from 8am-3pm.

The City of Sherrill will be smoke testing the sanitary sewer lines in your area.  These tests involve blowing smoke into parts of the sewer system to find damaged pipes, improper connections, and locations where unwanted storm water may be entering the City’s sanitary sewer system.  As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, sewer laterals or manhole covers.  The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented and the water traps contain water.

Recommendation for Residents:

If you have a bathroom or plumbing fixture that is not used or seldom used, traps should be filled by running water in the fixtures the day before the scheduled smoke testing.  Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures and sewer gases can enter the home. 

*Water should be regularly added thereafter to prevent sewer gas from entering the home or office.

The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items.  Since vapor can be an irritant, direct contact with the “smoke” may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people.  If the smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation.  Please advise any member of the smoke testing crew if any leakage occurs in your home or business.  Additionally, if you have any questions about the test health issues, or any other concerns, feel free to ask a crewmember, or contact the City Offices at (315)363-2440.

Your presence is not required during this test, and all public safety authorities have been notified of this event.  We would appreciate it if you would mention this notice to your neighbors in case they have not received it.

We thank you for your cooperation.