‘Smoke-testing’ on to identify sewer system defects

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. on Monday began “smoke-testing” some areas and villages to check for leaks, breaks, and defects in the island’s sewer system.

The test will be done in three places-Gualo Rai, San Jose, and Oleai-from April 23 to May 11. It involves forcing smoke into the sewer lines to check for defects, according to CUC deputy executive director Alan Fletcher.

Fletcher described the smoke as odorless, creates no fire hazard, and will not enter homes or businesses unless they have defective plumbing or dried-up sink traps or floor drains. The smoke test should affect properties no longer than 15 minutes, he added.

He said the smoke used for this test is manufactured strictly for this purpose, leaves no residues or stains, and has no effect on plants and animals. However, direct contact with the smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people, he warned.

CUC advises that if people in the building suffer from a heart condition, asthma, emphysema, or some other respiratory condition and are planning to stay in the building during the test, they can notify the CUC wastewater operations at 322-5032 and 322-5033 to discuss their specific case.

“Prior to testing, please pour two gallons of water in any seldom-used sinks and floor drains to prevent sewer gas, smoke and odors from entering the premises. If smoke does enter your home during testing, immediately remove yourself from the building, notify the crews that are conducting the test or call CUC. Again, if smoke enters your home, it is an indication of a plumbing defect, so you should also notify a plumber,” a CUC statement said.

According to Fletcher, correcting any defects is the responsibility of the property owner. Smoke coming from vent stacks in houses is normal while smoke coming from holes in the ground is not normal and is considered a defect. All such defects will be logged, according to Fletcher, and CUC will contact the property owner if a defect is located on private property.

“This smoke testing is part of CUC’s continuing effort to provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system. The smoke testing procedure has been recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an effective means of identifying problem areas in the sewer system. Eliminating system defects and illegal connections will help our community remain in compliance with the federal legislation regarding sewer systems maintenance and sanitary sewer overflows,” added Fletcher.