Sewer System Smoke Testing To Be Conducted In New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan announced Friday that, in conjunction with AECOM, the townhas contracted Flow Assessment Services to conduct Sewer System Smoke Testing to locate sources of stormwater inflow to the sanitary system.

The study will locate direct and indirect connections such as catch basins, area drains, roof drains, broken sewer pipes, and deteriorated pipe joints, the town said in a post on Facebook.

During this test, harmless white smoke is introduced through the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During this procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located on the street and plumbing vent pipes located on or near the roof surface.

The town stressed this is normal and not a cause for concern.

"Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is a dry trap in your basement floor drain or any unused plumbing fixtures. You may wish to pour some water down your basement drain or unused plumbing fixture to ensure that the drain trap will be effective," the town said. "Smoke could also enter the building through defective plumbing. The owner should note this because gases from the sewer system may enter your building through the defective plumbing."

Should smoke be detected within the building, people should not be alarmed. The smoke is non-toxic and non-staining.

Residents should ventilate their homes and report the presence of smoke to the people conducting the test outside in the vicinity of their building. If possible, they will assist in locating the source that allowed the smoke to enter the building.

The town advised residents of the following:

• You are not required to be home when the testing is being performed on your street.
• The testing will be performed 24 to 72 hours after this notification is received.
• Weather, holidays, and weekends may shift test periods beyond the 24 to 72-hour time frame.
• Please contact Flow Assessment Services at 1-888-311-9799 should you have any questions or concerns.