Smoke Test: Sewers and Drainage

Cities in Greater Montreal regularly test their sewerage systems, drains and drainage of stormwater.

Smoke tests are used to determine if rainwater enters and maintains wastewater channels through cracks or breaches.

This is called a study to reduce inputs and infiltrations. It allows to see through which cracks/holes the water enters in the sewer system, what connections (sumpsor gutter descents) are damaged and intervene wisely.

These tests are necessary because rainwater entering the sanitary sewer system can clog these pipes and cause damage by reducing the capacity to transport wastewater to the treatment plant.

The overload of the network, which leads to problems such as basement flooding which Montreal is unfortunately familiar with.

The strengths of smoke tests applied to sewers

By escaping, white or colored smoke identifies abnormal areas of infrastructure weaknesses.

The smoke used resembles a vapor. It is harmless, odourless and not harmful to health. It disperses and disappears within minutes.

During the test, non-toxic smoke/steam will appear at the site of suspected leaks. It follows a tortuous path but interferes in the slightest faults and this is the strength of this technique as it allows to carry out repairs in the best places rather than opening the pavement as a whole.

The sewer smoke test is therefore a quick and easy way to locate the source of the sewer leaks.

What happens during a sewer test?

The city warns the district/region

A few days before, the city warned the inhabitants of the the area by a flyer in their mailbox. The notice indicates the perimeter concerned, the schedules of the operation and gives instructions to respect to ensure  the success of the operation.

In particular, residents of the affected areas are asked to ensure that all their plumbing“traps”contain water. Just run it for a few moments!

• Sinks, showers, bathtubs, sinks
• Toilet / WC;
• Washing machines (clothes and dishes;
• Floor drains and basement drains.

It is essential to identify the weak points of the network, but the domestic installations  weak points will eventually be pointed by the inspection.

waterproofing of the exhaust pipes

Smoke in the house

When smoke enters an apartment, condo or house, water must be poured where it appears and ventilated by opening the windows to dissipate it. The smoke will disappear in a matter of minutes.

Although harmless (non-harmful), if a person experiences irritation, they are asked to leave the premises until the end of the test. (The general duration of a smoke test is 2 to 4 hours)

On the street

Residents of the tested area will see white smoke coming from manholes and vents on the roofs of houses or condo tops. That’s the normal part of the test.
These fumes can also escape from stormwater recovery ponds in the roof panels of sloping roof houses. (NORMAL TOO?)
In the event that an owner outside the tested area notices unexpected smoke and is unsure of its source, they should contact the company in charge, or in some cases call 911.

Delta, an expert smoke test contractor for sewers.

Delta smoke test in Montreal has 15 years of experience as a certified contractor in Quebec. The company serves Greater Montreal.

If you would like to have your sewer evacuation, stormwater disposal or commercial greasy waste disposal system inspected, we will be happy to submit a submission to you as soon as possible.
Pest-controllers make up a large proportion of smoke testing professionals.
See in more detail our interventions, techniques and service of caulking / clogging against unwanted animals.

Request for submission form

Depending on the situation the smoke test will eventually be supplemented with a video inspection, this provides an in-depth diagnosis of the systems:

• sanitary drainage,
• drainage of stormwater or
• commercial greasy waste drainage.

Smoke tests in Quebec cities

• Smoke test in St Georges
• Smoke test at St Catherine’s
• Smoke test at St Julie’s
• Smoke test in Ottawa