VIROQUA, Wis. – The city of Viroqua issued a notice to residents that the utility department will be conducting what is known as “smoke testing” in the city sewer system and residents may see some of that smoke briefly enter their home in the process.
City officials say the a special non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.
The testing will take place on October 23 and 24. This study will involve the opening manholes in the streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm and other surface water enter the sewer system.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:
- 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.
- Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.
Should smoke enter your home or business please contact Viroqua Utilities as soon as possible at 608-637-7186. A crew member be sent to check with you where the smoke has entered your building.
Smoke or odor has entered your building is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may be able to enter. Sewer gases can be both unpleasant and as well as a health risk to the occupants and these sources need to be identified so they can be repaired.
The information gained from this smoke testing will be used to improve your sewer services.
Should you have any questions please contact Sarah Grainger at 608-637-2937 or sgrainger@viroqua-wisconsin.com.
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