Smoke Testing in our Wastewater Network

Smoke testing involves injecting a dense, non-toxic and odourless smoke into the drainage (sewer or stormwater) system at a manhole, and watching to see where the smoke escapes. The smoke fills the main pipe and any connected pipes, and follows the path of any breaks in pipework to the ground surface.

The purpose of smoke testing is to identify areas within the wastewater or stormwater network that need attention.

Our stormwater is designed to collect only rainwater runoff from roofs, roads and other impervious surfaces. Smoke testing will help identify any wastewater connections (cross-connection) to the stormwater network which can result in contamination and harm to the waterways or estuary.

Similarly, our wastewater network is designed to collect wastewater from properties, not rainwater and other surface water. When other water enters the wastewater network, it can overwhelm the capacity of the network (especially in heavy rain events). This can result in overflows of diluted untreated wastewater into the waterways and estuary and can have a harmful effect on our environment. Excessive stormwater that arrives at the wastewater treatment facility can also wash away the special bugs that treat our wastewater. This affects our treatment processes. Smoke testing will help identify any stormwater connections to the wastewater network (cross-connection).

Smoke testing also identifies breaks in pipes and manholes as well as locations where stormwater.

Smoke testing is common practice around New Zealand.

Before each new round of smoke testing, we notify the residents who may be affected.

We do this by:

• Sending a letter to all houses in the area selected for testing
• Posting on Council Facebook groups

We also advise the fire service that works will be undertaken.

No. The “smoke” is not true smoke. It is a harmless white vapour – the same non-toxic substance used in smoke machines at concerts. It is considered safe for humans, animals and plants, leaves no residue or stains, is not a fire hazard and will disappear rapidly without leaving an odour. Since any vapour can be an irritant, direct contact with the smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people.

People with respiratory problems such as chronic asthma or emphysema should avoid direct exposure to the smoke. Please contact Council, phone to discuss your situation further if you have concerns about upcoming smoke testing.

Smoke appearing in your home may indicate that there is a problem with your plumbing. We suggest you contact a licensed plumber to inspect and make necessary repairs if you see smoke in your home during our testing.

If your plumbing is installed and working properly, your U-traps will prevent smoke entering your home. A U-trap is a U-shaped section of your drain pipe that is always full of water. The water acts as a barrier, preventing sewer gases from getting into your home through sinks and drains. If there is no water in the trap, it will not work properly. Dry traps are most often found in floor drains and bathroom drains that aren’t used often. We recommend running some water into infrequently used drains or fixtures prior to smoke testing.

• Do not be alarmed.
• Open windows to allow ventilation and note where the smoke is coming from; it will clear in a few minutes.
• Leave your home and notify smoke testing personnel in the area. This is precautionary until we confirm that the smoke is from our testing and is not indicative of fire.
• Remember, if smoke enters your home during the test, there may be problems with your plumbing. These problems could allow potentially dangerous sewer gas to enter. Please contact your plumber immediately.

If you have any doubt as to the source of the smoke in your home or property and suspect a fire, please call 111.

• Ensure all drain U-traps contain water by running some water into all drains and fixtures before smoke testing. This is particularly important for floor drains and bathroom drains that aren’t often used.
• If there is an individual in your home or business with respiratory problems and/or mobility limitations, or if you have any additional questions, please contact Napier City Council, phone 06 935 7579

Smoke testing focuses on the public part of the sewer system which Council maintains. While the testing can also identify plumbing problems on private property, this is not the main intent of the smoke test. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain private plumbing connections. Please contact your plumber if you have any concerns about plumbing on your property.

Yes, smoke alarms may be activated during smoke testing. If possible, open windows and/or doors for ventilation. If you have any doubts about the origin of the smoke, call 111.

We can’t do smoke testing when it’s rainy or very windy, so the weather can sometimes cause delays. However, we will let you know the period in which we will be smoke testing your area by mail.

If we are smoke testing the wastewater network, smoke will be seen coming from sewer vents (also known as terminal vents) on roofs of homes. This is normal and indicates that smoke has filled the sewers. Smoke may also be seen coming from building foundations, manhole covers, or cleared sections with existing sewer connections.

If we are smoke testing the stormwater network, smoke will be seen coming from roof guttering, road sumps and manhole covers.

No, the smoke is a vapour and cannot block the pipes.

Council will use the findings to help plan future public infrastructure improvement projects and to identify changes required to stop storm water and other surface water from getting into the sewer system or vice versa. Depending on the findings, we may also undertake immediate repairs to the sewer system.

As there may be Council services located in your property, Council staff or representatives may require access to your property to check that smoke is exiting from the expected locations. Council will not require access inside the building or house and you do not need to be home during the smoke testing.

For any queries or further information regarding smoke testing, please contact Customer Services on 06 935 7579.