Naperville to Smoke Test Sewers Beginning Sept. 6

NAPERVILLE, IL — In an effort to detect sanitary sewer line defects, the City will be performing smoke testing in various Naperville neighborhoods starting the week of Sept. 6, pending weather or unforeseen circumstances, and lasting through October, according to a city news release.

Smoke testing is a way to locate openings in the sewer system that allow rainwater runoff to enter and can cause inconvenient and expensive sanitary sewer backups. Air combined with non-toxic smoke is forced into the sewer lines to disclose the location of leaks and connections to storm water systems. Smoke can be seen coming up out of the ground where there are defects in the lines. Smoke testing also identifies roof drains, patio drains and footing drains that are connected to the sewer system.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 6, work will proceed through the areas of the 5th Avenue neighborhood, Columbia Estates, Spring Hill, Pheasant Glen, Iroquois Commons, Yorkshire Manor, Fontenaix, Charlestown Woods, Huffman Street and the neighborhood south of Chicago and north of Hillside over a five-week period. The five-week work schedule is an approximation and the timeline is subject to change pending weather or unforeseen circumstances. (See color-coded map image below.) Residents who live in affected areas should expect work to occur in and around their area through October. Smoke will not enter buildings unless there is defective plumbing or drain traps that are dried up, and it is expected – and normal – for smoke to come out of the sewer vent stack on the roof of a home during the test.

The smoke is non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue, dissipates quickly and is harmless, although those with respiratory issues may wish to take extra precautions such as leaving the home for a few hours until testing is complete. Door hanger notification cards are being distributed to those impacted immediately prior to testing, and the public can expect to see signs posted at intersections when crews are testing in that area.

For more information on sanitary sewer line smoke testing, visit www.naperville.il.us/smoketest.

Map courtesy of the City of Naperville.