Pennsylvania officials will release non-toxic smoke into its sewer lines to identify cracks, leaks, and other serious problems. “Smoke will come up from the ground where a crack is located in the sewer line — and the downspout and the perimeter of a home if a downspout or French drain are tied into the line,” The Sharon Herald reports. “If water from a sump pump is drained into the sewer line, smoke from the test will come into the basement — which is cause for concern, because dangerous sewer gases may also be coming into the home.”
Workers hope the smoke tests will help get to the bottom of flooding and backed up sewer lines in Grove City, PA. Residents’ French drains and sump pumps, if working properly, should drain into the lawn or the neighborhood storm sewer. (A French drain, or a trench filled with rock or gravel, works by diverting water away from the source and into a designated area.) The smoke will also help officials pinpoint any plumbing defects. If business and household pipes are in working order, people may notice smoke coming from vents and/or smoke stacks.
The county will notify residents prior to smoke tests. Residents and/or business owners should contact city or county officials “if there will be pets or people at risk who will be in a structure alone during the test,” The Sharon Herald continues.