Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Starting Oct. 5

Submitted by the City of Naperville

In an effort to detect sanitary sewer line defects in the Longwood subdivision and commercial areas near Route 59, the City will be performing smoke testing in these locations starting the week of Oct. 5, pending weather or unforeseen circumstances, and lasting through the end of November.

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.

Residents in the Longwood subdivision and the area near Route 59 near Diehl Road, Platinum Drive and Wall Street should expect work to occur in and around their area through the end of November. 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.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. To sign up for the City’s notification system Naper Notify and receive important emergency and community information via a phone call, text message, email or smartphone app, visit www.napernotify.com.