Sewer Line Smoke Testing – 3rd Ward
Please be advised that Maintenance Crews from DELCORA will be smoke testing the sanitary sewer lines in your area during the months of January as part of the sanitary sewer evaluation Nether Providence. The work will begin on Wednesday January 13th between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Smoke testing involves blowing harmless, non-toxic, odorless smoke into the sewer system to find locations
where unwanted water infiltration may be entering the Rose Valley sanitary sewer system. As a result, smoke
may be seen coming from intended or unintended openings to the sewer system. These include vents, building
foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, sewer laterals, or manhole covers. The smoke will not enter
your home if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the water traps contain water.
Recommendation for Residents:
The smoke is non-toxic and non-hazardous and is manufactured specifically for this purpose. Smoke of any
kind can be irritating to the nasal passages for some people. If you experience smoke irritation, it should be
temporary and quickly disappear after exposure has ceased. If you or any member of your household have a
health condition that you feel we need to be aware of, please contact us at the number indicated below.
It’s a best-practice to keep all plumbing fixture drain traps filled with water. Water can evaporate from unused
plumbing fixtures and sewer gases can enter the home. If you have a bathroom, floor drain, or plumbing fixture
that is seldomly used, traps should be filled by running water in the fixtures the day before the scheduled
smoke testing. Water should be added on a monthly basis thereafter in order to prevent sewer gas from entering
the home. If you are at home during the smoke testing and notice smoke coming from a faulty fixture, open the
windows for ventilation.
During smoke testing you will see Maintenance Crews on your street and along the sewer pipe alignments near
the streams/creeks. Any presence of smoke within the house should be reported directly to them or by calling
610.633.2469. Your presence is not required during the tests and all safety authorities (Police and Fire)
will be notified of this event.
If you should have any further questions, do not hesitate to call 610.633.2469