San Marcos Crews To Conduct Smoke Testing In Sewer Systems Next Week

If smoke enters your home or office, the potential also exists for dangerous sewer gases to enter. Should smoke enter a home or office, consult with a licensed plumber or your property management…

City crews will “smoke test” the sanitary sewer system in the Castle Forest neighborhood May 1-3 beginning at 9 a.m. daily. The information gained from this study will be used to repair and improve the sanitary sewer system in the area.

During this testing, smoke may exit from vent pipes above homes or from holes and cracks in the ground due to breaks in the sewer lines. The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue, and creates no fire hazard.

The smoke should not enter homes or offices unless there is a plumbing defect or dried-up drain traps. To prevent smoke from entering your home or office, pour water in seldom used drains to fill the trap.

If smoke enters your home or office, the potential also exists for dangerous sewer gases to enter. Should smoke enter a home or office, consult with a licensed plumber or your property management.

Field crews have identification badges and will be performing inspections of all manholes in the area. Whenever these lines require investigation, crews will need access to the easements, some of which are on private property. At no time will field crews need to enter a business or residence.

For more information, contact the City of San Marcos Water/Wastewater Department at 512.393.8010.