Sewer line problems in your home, like leaks and cracks, are notoriously hard to find. Most times, you are not even aware that your sewer line is damaged until you start to see the signs of the issues through the malfunction of the various drains in your home.
Essentially, especially those seeking reliable HCM housing support, homeowners often wait until their drains block, overflow, or emit offensive odors into the house to realize they have a sewer line break. Usually, this is after the issue has already caused costly damage to their plumbing and building.
Sewer smoke testing solves this dilemma.
Sewer smoke testing not only helps homeowners avoid the costly disruptions that come with invasive methods of detecting sewer line problems, but it also finds those sewer line problems before they escalate into bigger issues.
How does sewer smoke testing work, and how do you know when you need it?
How sewer smoke testing works
Sewer testing uses non-toxic smoke to discover gaps, cracks, and bad joints in a sewer line, as well as detect dried-out P-traps that release sewer gases into the house. It is one of the most effective methods for detecting sewer lines and plumbing problems in the home.
Here are the steps to do a sewer smoke test in your home:
- Isolate the home’s sewer line
To prevent smoke from going up the sewer line, through the city sewer main, and into your neighbors’ sewer line before exiting inside their home, it is important to isolate your sewer line from the city main sewer line. This is done by inserting a test ball into the sewer line via the cleanout and inflating it, so that it seals the pipe. This will keep the smoke from entering the city’s main sewer line.
- Insert the hose
The smoke testing machine hose is inserted into the sewer cleanout. To make sure smoke does not escape from the cleanout, the hose should fit snugly around the opening of the sewer cleanout. If there is a gap between the hose and the cleanout, the technician or plumber will seal it with tape or pack rags around it to form a tight seal.
- Cap plumbing vents
To create pressure in the plumbing system, the plumbing vents are closed with a foil cap. This step is not always necessary, unless the conditions require it. Without it, it is still possible to detect leaks or cracks in the sewer and plumbing system.
- Begin the test
To make smoke, the plumber uses a smoke candle. These come in white or gray and last 30 seconds or 60 seconds, depending on the type. The candle is placed in front of the smoke machine and lit. As the candle begins to smoke, the testing machine will suck in the smoke and push it into the cleanout.
- Call the fire department
Before starting the test, the plumber calls the fire department to inform them of the smoke test at your address. Skipping this step means that neighbors might see smoke coming from your roof vent and call the fire department to your house. Informing the fire department on time prevents chaos and fines.
- Check for smoke
This test will fill your plumbing system and sewer line, not your house, with smoke. If smoke is seen inside the house, there are leaks in your plumbing; perhaps a dried-out P-trap, a broken toilet seal, or leaks and cracks in your sewer line. If you have a broken sewer line, you will also see smoke emerging from the ground outside your home.
Benefits of smoke testing
- Detects points of inflow and infiltration
These are locations in the sewer line through which rainwater and groundwater can enter the pipes to overload the system and increase the risk of sewer backups.
- Detects plumbing leaks
If there are damaged vents, leaky pipes, loose toilet or faucet seats, improperly installed drain traps, and dried-out P-traps in the home, a sewer smoke test will uncover them.
- Detects sewer gas intrusion
Smoke testing helps identify openings – such as leaks, cracks, or weak spots – in your plumbing that can allow dangerous sewer gases (including hydrogen sulfide, methane etc.) to enter your home.
- It is affordable and effective
Sewer smoke testing is fast, cost-effective, and can find problems in your sewer line efficiently. It helps you avoid the issues associated with more invasive detection methods.
When should you get sewer smoke testing?
You need sewer smoke testing if:
- You have sewer odors in your home: If there is a persistent odor of sewer gases inside your house.
- You’re dealing with chronic drain issues: Despite your best efforts, your drains are slow or clog frequently.
- You have high water bills: The water bill is inexplicably high, even though your water usage stays the same.
- You have newly installed plumbing: A smoke test helps you check for problems in new plumbing installations.
- You are buying a new home: When buying a new home, a smoke test helps you troubleshoot the plumbing and sewer system.
Periodic sewer smoke tests also help you detect budding issues in your sewer line. Are you dealing with constant sewer lines and plumbing issues in your home? Do you think a smoke test will help you solve these problems, but you would like more information? Reach out to us if so at 773-599-9181.