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1. Do I have to be at home for the sewer testing?

Residents are not required to be at home during smoke testing; however, pouring a few cups of water in all household drains will help prevent smoke from entering the home through drains. Smoke should not enter the home unless defective plumbing is present or drains are dry.

2. Is the smoke harmful?

No. It may cause coughing and it’s not recommended to continually breathe in for long periods of time. The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard, but there is a possibility of it triggering smoke alarms. To help prevent smoke from entering your home, please pour a few cups of water into all household drains, especially seldom used drains. Doing this will fill the drain traps and prevent smoke from entering your home.

If you have any concerns because of an adverse breathing condition please contact the Clarksville Sewer Construction office at 931-553-2424.

3. What is the purpose of smoke testing?

The purpose is to find possible leaks in the sanitary sewer system and roof drain connections.

4. What should I do if smoke gets into the home or business?

Contact the crew working in the area or call the Sewer Construction office at 931-553-2424. Open windows for ventilation.

5. I will not be at home during the smoke testing and I have pets; what should I do?

The smoke is not harmful to pets, but providing ventilation may help if smoke enters the building. If you have proper connections and all of the traps have water in them, the likelihood of a problem is minimal.

6. If smoke enters a home or business, how long does it take to dissipate?

This will depend on how much smoke enters the building and how much ventilation you can provide. Opening windows and ventilating normally clears smoke quickly.

7. Can smoke block sewer lines?

No. The smoke is vaporous.

8. What happens if defective sewer lines/plumbing or lack of traps are found?

Clarksville Gas and Water will document the findings and contact the property owner and/or the tenant to determine what steps are necessary to remedy the problem.