Smoke Testing August 2022
-UPDATE- MONDAY 8/15/22 THROUGH TUESDAY 8/16/22
SMOKE TESTING WILL CONTINUE IN THE FRONT, ORNE AND WASHINGTON STREET AREAS ON MONDAY 8/15/22 AND TUESDAY 8/16/22. IF YOU ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE HIGHLIGHTED AREAS, EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE TESTING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ON MONDAY 8/15/22 OR TUESDAY 8/16/22.
-UPDATE- FRIDAY 8/12/22
SMOKE TESTING WILL CONTINUE IN THE BEACON AND NORMAN STREET AREAS ON FRIDAY, 8/12/22. IF YOU ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE HIGHLIGHTED AREAS, EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE TESTING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ON FRIDAY, 8/12/22.
-UPDATE- THURSDAY 8/11/22
SMOKE TESTING WILL CONTINUE IN THE BEACON AND NORMAN STREET AREAS ON THURSDAY, 8/11/22. IF YOU ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE HIGHLIGHTED AREAS, EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE TESTING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ON THURSDAY, 8/11/22.
-UPDATE- WEDNESDAY 8/10/22
SMOKE TESTING WILL CONTINUE IN THE CLIFTON AND VILLAGE STREET AREAS ON WEDNESDAY , 8/10/22. IF YOU ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE HIGHLIGHTED AREAS, EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE TESTING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ON WEDNESDAY 8/10/22.
-UPDATE- TUESDAY 8/9/22
SMOKE TESTING IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON TUESDAY, 8/9/22 IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS. IF YOU ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE HIGHLIGHTED AREAS, EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ON TUESDAY 8/9/22.
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Smoke testing in selected neighborhoods in Marblehead will begin August 8, 2022. The following map highlights the neighborhood selected for smoke testing in 2022.
If your home is within one of the highlighted neighborhoods, expect a notification to be delivered to your property approximately 24-72 hours prior to testing in your neighborhood.
A Neighborhood Zoom Meeting will be held on July 28, 2022 at 7:00PM
to discuss information regarding this testing.
In this zoom meeting, a representative from the Water and Sewer
Commission, Flow Assessment (Contractor), and Haley Ward (Engineer) will
be available for questions. Please find the zoom link below
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86428298592
Meeting ID: 864 2829 8592
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Flow Assessment Informational video
The Water and Sewer Commission has contracted with Flow Assessment to conduct the smoke testing.
Smoke Testing FAQ's
- What is smoke testing?
Smoke testing is the industry standard and an efficient , cost effective way to locate and identify leaks and the source of storm water infiltration problems in the sanitary sewer system.
Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost effective way to locate and identify where unmetered water is entering the public and private portion of the sewer system. The smoke is harmless and will disappear after only a few minutes. Smoke testing will also help identify plumbing leaks in buildings. Sewer gases can cause health problems for building occupants.
- Why is smoke testing important?
Testing is important because each year, millions of gallons of storm water infiltrates sanitary sewers and can overload the system, pump stations and treatment plant. The sanitary sewer system is designed for only wastewater from homes and businesses to flow to the treatment plant. The storm water drainage system is a separate network of pipes channeling storm water into streams and waterways and directly into the ocean. The infiltration of storm water in any amount into the sanitary sewer system can cause and contribute to the overflow of untreated wastewater during storm events and potentially results in environmental and property damage.
- How does it work?
The smoke testing process involves isolating manageable sections of the sewer system, blowing smoke through that section of the sewer system, and monitoring where the smoke escapes from the system.
During testing, field crews blow air and smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and monitor where smoke escapes the system. The smoke, under pressure, will fill the main sanitary sewer pipe as well as any private lateral connections. Only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required, and smoke should escape from building roof vents.
If there are any defects in the main sewer pipes or private sewer laterals serving individual homes, or if there are illegal storm drain cross connections, the smoke will rise to the surface and reveal these problems. The field crews will carefully document their findings and assist the Commission in notifying, if necessary, individual property owners as to the results
- Is the smoke harmful?
No. The “smoke” is not true smoke. It will not harm your health or leave a stain and will disappear rapidly without leaving an odor.
The specific product has been used successfully for over 30 years throughout the United States. The smoke manufactured specifically for testing is EPA endorsed, and is a non-toxic, non-staining substance that is generally considered to be harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items.
Although the product is generally considered to have no adverse health effects, individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as emphysema or other heart/lung problems should take special precautions to either vacate the area during the test period, or if not possible, keep doors and windows open so that if, on the rare occasion, smoke does enter, it will dissipate rapidly. If you see “smoke” in your home, open windows for ventilation, and then tell the crew chief doing the smoke testing in your area.
The MSDS sheet for the smoke product can be downloaded here: HURCO MSDS
- How long will the testing take?
Crews might be in your area for a few hours, but each actual smoke test setup takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Most houses will only be within the testing area for one or two tests. While testing, smoke may be seen around manhole covers, storm drains, roof vents and areas of defects. Smoke will not enter the interior of a home or business if all the plumbing is installed properly and is in good repair
- How will residents be notified of smoke testing in their neighborhood?
Field crews will distribute a notice door to door approximately 24 to 72 hours in advance of the scheduled testing. Smoke testing is weather dependent. Unexpected wet weather may delay the scheduled testing outside of the 72-hour window.
Police, Fire and Town Officials will be notified daily of specific work areas.
- As a homeowner, what should I do to prepare for smoke testing in my area?
Water can evaporate from the drain traps of unused plumbing fixtures. When you receive a notice that smoke testing will take place in your area, you should pour water down all drains of plumbing fixtures that are not regularly used. This will ensure that the P-traps are full to prevent smoke from entering the house through their sewage drainage system within the structure. P-trap refers to the shape of the drain pipe which holds water preventing air, odors and smoke from entering the residence.
- What should I do if smoke enters my home?
If smoke does enter the interior of homes, windows and doors should be opened as it will usually clear in 15-20 minutes. If residents are present during the testing, they should inform a testing crew member if smoke has entered the home.
If possible, note the location where the smoke entered the home. If smoke enters your home during the test, it may indicate there are deficiencies in the plumbing that may allow potentially dangerous sewer gases to enter.
Since plumbing fixtures in your home or business are connected to the sanitary sewer system, there is the potential for the smoke to enter if the drains are not connected properly. This happens particularly under the following circumstances:
- The vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed
- The traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers, and other drains are dry, defective, or improperly installed
- The pipes, connections or seals in the wastewater drain system in and/or under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or improperly installed
- Do I need to be home?
No. There is no need to be at home, but it may be helpful in the event that areas need to be ventilated.
Inspection crews will not need to enter your home unless smoke is present and you want them to help identify the defect. You are not required to allow entry to our crews.
- What about pets?
The smoke is not harmful to pets. The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items. If smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation.
- What happens after the smoke test?
After all the data is collected and organized, MWSC will begin notifying property owners if there appears to be a problem with either their sewer lateral, possible storm drain cross connections, or sewer leaks inside the structure. Staff will work with each property owner to help them understand the issues and further, to make recommendations as to how these problems might be resolved. Simultaneously, if there are detected problems within our sewer system, the Town will endeavor to have these repaired in a timely manner.