Smoke Testing In Chatham Township Sewer Lines Will Identify Faults

CHATHAM, NJ —Crews will use air and smoke to inspect the Chatham Township sanitary sewer system for leaks today and Friday, Aug. 19.

The Township of Chatham has hired Mott MacDonald's professional engineering services to conduct sanitary sewer smoke testing. These tests will aid in identifying damaged sewer pipes and illegal sewer connections.

The smoke is a special, non-toxic material that will not harm your health or damage your property, according to officials.

Smoke testing is a technique used to identify sewer sections that may have inflow during heavy rainfall. Smoke testing can detect inflow sources such as roof downspouts, driveways, yard and drain areas, foundation drains, illegal connections and storm water drainage system cross-connections. It is also capable of detecting structural damage and leaking joints.

If your building is in good condition, you will notice no smoke except from certain roof vents, which is normal. Smoke found inside buildings indicates a potential sewer line problem, so if any smoke enters your building, note its source and alert the testing crew.

According to officials, putting water in unused drains and toilets will help keep smoke out of your building.

For more information, call Mott MacDonald's Field Supervisor Michael Whalen at (973)-417-8094 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. To view the full testing schedule, click here.