CITY OF BRENHAM BEGINS SMOKE TESTING SEWER SYSTEM
The City of Brenham’s sanitary sewer system is undergoing smoke testing.
Inspection crews from Compliance EnviroSystems began the project on Wednesday, surveying a portion of the city’s sanitary sewer system on the south side of town, north of Highway 290. Work is expected to be completed by September 12th.
The study will involve opening and entering manholes in streets and easements. The smoke testing of sewer lines helps identify any breaks or defects within the system.
Residents may notice smoke from vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground. The city says the smoke is non-toxic, harmless, odorless and poses no fire hazard. It should not enter homes unless there are defective plumbing systems or dried-up drain traps. If this occurs, residents should consult a licensed plumber, as if the smoke can enter through faulty plumbing, there is the potential for dangerous sewer gases to enter the home.
Anyone who has seldom-used drains should add a few cups of water to them periodically over the next few weeks.
Crews will not need to enter homes. However, if the sewer lines are on the easement of a resident’s property, they may need access to the manholes and lines underground. No digging will be necessary unless the manholes are buried and their access is crucial for data collection.
Crews will take photographs of any leaks in the system. The smoke testing is expected to last a few hours per block.
Anyone who has questions can contact the city’s Utility Customer Service Department at 979-337-7400.
(City of Brenham)