Smoke Testing In Port Chester Sewer Lines Will Identify Faults

PORT CHESTER, NY — Crews will use air and smoke to test the sanitary sewer system in Port Chester for leaks next week.

Starting Monday morning, the Village of Port Chester will be conducting smoke testing along Westchester Ave., between N. Regent St. and S. Main St. The testing will be done between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily next week, but may take longer than a week, depending on the weather.

Smoke testing is a technique used to identify parts of sewers that might have inflow during heavy rainfall. Inflow sources such as roof downspouts, driveways, yard and drain areas, foundation drains, illegal connections and storm water drainage system cross-connections can be detected with smoke testing. It can also detect structural damage and leaking joints.

A field crew wearing hard hats and traffic vests will use non-toxic, liquid smoke for the testing. Smoke blowers will be placed on manholes and white smoke will be blown through the sewer system. Any spot where white smoke is found during the test, except plumbing vent stacks, will be a potential infiltration/inflow source for storm water or groundwater to enter the system.

The testing is expected to take place during the summer and fall. Affected property owners are being notified with informational letters.

The police and fire departments have been made aware of the test areas and testing schedule.

If evidence of violations are found, the village will follow up with Notices of Violation, setting forth the nature of the violations and the corrective actions required within 30 days. If white smoke from testing can enter a home through faulty plumbing, the potential then exists for dangerous sewer gases to also enter. A licensed plumber should be consulted in such cases. If more time is needed for repairs, the village will work with property owners on a timeline.

For more information, the Building Department can be reached at (914) 939-5203 and the Code Enforcement Department can be reached at (914) 305-2552.

The village said it depends on full cooperation to correct any problems. However, in the event that this does not occur, the village says it will take all necessary steps, including legal action, to address the issues.

Additional information can be found here, along with frequently asked questions here.