Archived News Release: September 15, 2017 - The City of Ann Arbor is assessing the sanitary sewer system in neighborhoods north of Packard and west of Platt Road during the last two weeks of September. Local engineering firm OHM Advisors is performing smoke testing on behalf of the city. Crews will be in marked vehicles and have identification. OHM Advisors staffers will post door hangers on residences and businesses 48 hours before smoke testing.
Smoke testing involves blowing mist through the sanitary sewers to find potential areas where storm water is getting into the sanitary sewer system. You may see what looks like smoke coming from vent stacks on buildings or holes in the ground. The mist varies in color from white to gray depending on density and lighting, is non-toxic, non-staining, has a slightly sweet odor and presents no fire hazard.
The mist should not enter your home or business unless the plumbing is not functioning properly. If you have any seldom-used drains, you must pour water in the drain to fill the trap prior to the test to prevent mist from entering the building and (needlessly) setting off smoke alarms.
Homeowners or business owners do not need to be present during testing, which will be conducted during normal business hours. Workers will not be inside your home. However, again, you MUST POUR WATER DOWN SELDOM USED DRAINS PRIOR TO THE TESTING; especially floor drains in your home or business. This should prevent mist from entering your home and setting off smoke alarms unnecessarily.
For more information, visit: www.A2gov.org/SSIPE.
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