Smoke testing began this week in the Rowlett Creek Basin area of Richardson, the final phase of an eight-year smoke testing examination of the City’s sewer lines. The testing, conducted by RJN Group, involves the use of a smoke generator to blow nontoxic smoke into manholes. The smoke travels through the sewer pipes and lightly billows from the ground when cracks in the underground piping exist. Sometimes the smoke also emits through interior residential plumbing, but it is residue-free, with minimal odor, and does not indicate a fire hazard.
Testing takes around an hour for each partial street block section within the testing area. If you live on a block involved in the testing, you will see a door hanger placed on your front door about 48 hours prior to the test.
The City began its multiyear, citywide examination of more than 400 miles of sewer line in 2017. This year’s testing was delayed due to rain/ground saturation; it’s expected to last until the end of July, weather permitting.
More information: www.cor.net/SmokeTesting
