What is Smoke Testing?
Smoke testing is the process of forcing smoke filled air into the drain and/or sewer system. The smoke under pressure will fill the line and any connections. Whether in the drainage or sewer system, breaks or illegal taps in either or both will allow the smoke to escape and surface through the ground or pipe work quickly and thereby reveal the source of the problem.
Why should you smoke test?
Smoke testing is the most cost effective and efficient way to locate an unpleasant sewer gas odor in your home. It is used to find sewer gas leaks from under toilets, bidets, broken pipes in walls, in crawl spaces, in basements, and attic spaces.
Sewer gases can cause health problems for occupants.
Smoke testing is also an extremely good method for tracking piping systems and other mapping purposes.
The smoke is non-toxic and only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required to adequately fill the system. As long as openings exists for the smoke to flow, smoke tests are effective regardless of surface characteristics, soil make-up and depth of sewer lines.
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Here are three common problems. 1. A fitting can be broken in the wall, under the floor, or in the attic. 2. A drain or vent pipe may have a crack in it. 3. A wax-ring on a toilet might not have a good seal. All of these problems can allow sewer gas to enter your home. With smoke testing the problem may be located and fixed.
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