For Immediate Release – February 11, 2025
City of Florence to Begin Smoke Testing to Improve Sanitary Sewer System
Media Contacts:
Josh Whittington, Utilities Director – (843) 665 - 3236 or jwhittington@cityofflorence.com
FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence Utilities Department will begin conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system starting February 24, 2025 in the following areas:
Woodmont Areas:
- 900 & 1000 blocks of Royal Street
- 1300 block of Malloy Street
- Lewis Lane
- Newman Avenue
- Hollings Avenue
- Middleton Street
- Stephenson Drive
- Lawrence Drive
- Diggs Avenue
Wilson Heights Areas:
- 1000, 1100, 1200 blocks of Sopkin Avenue
- Westford Road
- Wingate Avenue
- Waterman Avenue
- Elmgrove Avenue
Smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in the areas mentioned above is expected to last throughout the week of February 24, with the possibility of extending into the first week of March depending on weather conditions.
Affected households will also be notified of the sanitary sewer smoke testing with yellow door hangers.
Smoke testing will help the City identify sources of inflow and infiltration (I & I), which is any unwanted or unpermitted water (usually stormwater) entering the sanitary sewer system. Excessive I & I could lead to wastewater overflow problems and increased wastewater treatment costs.
Smoke testing involves placing a smoke blower device into the sewer line or manhole and allowing the smoke to travel throughout the sewer service area being tested. Unwanted I & I entry points (cross-connections, cracks or holes) will leak smoke, which visually indicates problem areas in need of repair. Normally, smoke from the test will not enter your house. It usually exits from the sewer vent line located on the roof of most homes. Please ensure your plumbing P-traps (sinks, toilets, showers and floor drains) have water in them as shown in the diagram below, or smoke could enter your home.
Public safety personnel have been notified and provided with the full schedule for smoke testing in each area of the sanitary sewer system.
FAQS:
Is the smoke from this type of testing hazardous?
No, the odorless, colorless simulated smoke is neither hazardous nor flammable and will not cause a fire or explosion. It is similar to the smoke used at concerts and other live events.
The simulated smoke is designed to dissipate rapidly. However, while it is generally safe, we recommend minimizing prolonged exposure, as extended contact may lead to minor skin irritation.
How long does the testing process take?
For a single city block, smoke testing lasts approximately 30 minutes. Residents may see the simulated smoke emerging from manhole covers, storm drains, roof vents, or building foundations.
Will the city enter my home?
Neither the city nor the crew that performs smoke testing will enter your home during the testing process. However, if smoke is found in your home, you can request they enter to determine where the smoke is entering from.
Will smoke enter my home? What should I do if it does?
The smoke from smoke testing should not enter homes or buildings. However, do not be alarmed if it does. As noted previously, the smoke is not toxic. Property owners are encouraged to simply open their doors and windows to ventilate the area. Simulated smoke should clear out quickly and will not stain walls or furniture or leave residue. The smoke is safe, but long exposure may cause irritation.
If smoke does enter a home from the inside (basement drains, etc.), residents should be advised to contact a licensed plumber to find out if there is a sewer connection problem. To be proactive in preventing smoke from entering their homes, residents are encouraged to run water faucets for a few seconds in unused sinks, tubs, and drains in order to fill fixture traps and pour water into each floor drain (at least a gallon).
If you have any questions concerning this notice, please call the City of Florence at (843) 665-3236.
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