Smoke Testing

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Starting Tuesday, January 18 through Friday, January 28, you may notice smoky areas around Town. While these patches of smoke may seem out of place, they are safe and part of a safety check known as smoke testing.

The Town of Surfside Public Works Department performs this testing to ensure there are no defects in our sewer system.

The week prior to testing, Public Works employees will place door hangers at homes that are in the testing area.

What is smoke testing?
Smoke testing is a common test used to identify sections of the sanitary sewer collection system that may have cracks, leaks or faulty connections that allow rainwater to enter the underground pipe network.

image of smoke testing in city of brandon mississippi

Image shared from the City of Brandon

Why is this test commonly used?
This routine, preventative maintenance test will help identify leaks, defects and stormwater inflows in the sewer system. It is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to make sure our wastewater treatment operations are working properly.

What to Expect:
While smoke will be visible coming out of manhole covers and vent stacks in roofs, it should not enter homes. To reduce the likelihood of smoke entering a building, the Town recommends that you pour 2-3 gallons of water into seldom-used sinks and floor drains, where the smoke could arise due to lack of water pressure.

This may be done now anytime prior to the test.

Residents should pour at least two gallons of water down rarely used sinks, tubs and drains to prevent sewer gases from entering their homes and buildings.

How the Test Works:
The test consists of forcing safe, vegetable-oil-derived smoke into the sewer lines and observing where it escapes to determine the location of leaks and defects. Odorless and safe, the smoke leaves no residuals or stains and has no adverse effect on people, plants or animals.

If Problems are Found:
The Town may notify you upon completion of the project if there are any problems found on your property. Additional notifications may come from Miami Dade County.

Video created by the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission

Frequently Asked Questions

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Should residents prepare homes and businesses for this?

Before testing, the Town recommends running water for a few seconds at each plumbing fixture (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, etc.). A schedule of work will be displayed on door hangers throughout the residential district prior to testing.

Testing will be run from Tuesday, January 18 through Friday, January 28.
Does someone need to be home for this?

No. No one needs to be home during smoke testing.
How long will testing take?

Smoke testing takes about 15 minutes.
Is smoke testing safe for people, pets and plants?

Yes. The process is safe. The smoke used is non-toxic, non-staining, and odorless. A person, animal, or plant that comes in contact with testing material will not be in danger.
What can I expect or what will I see if smoke happens to enter my home or place of business?

Should smoke enter your home or business, it will come from a plumbing fixture (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, etc.). The smoke takes about five to ten minutes to dissipate.

During testing, smoke should not enter a home. However, if it does, this means the homeowner may have a potential plumbing problem on their property. The Town recommends the homeowner calls a plumber at their convenience. Repairs made by the Town will only occur in the public right-of-way.

If smoke does enter the building during testing, open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Note the location of the emission, exit the building and inform the testing crews. Smoke from the testing process should dissipate within a few minutes.

If you are unsure that the smoke is related to testing, please call 911.
Has the Town ever done testing like this before?

Yes. It is a Miami-Dade County Environmental Resources Management (DERM) requirement to have this test performed for every review cycle (typically every 6 years).
Why is the Town using this method?

Smoke testing is cost-effective and efficient when trying to identify potential concerns in our sewer systems. If we were to use an alternative method like camera inspection, it could take months, maybe even years to complete such a task. In addition to an increase in duration, the Town would also incur an increase in cost.

The Town of Surfside is required to submit an SSES evaluation (Smoke Testing) on or before November 12, 2022 of the entire gravity system, as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER).
Who pays if defects are found?

If the defect is found on private property, it is the obligation of the home owner. If the defect is found in the Public Right of Way, the defect will be addressed by the Town.
When does testing begin?

Testing will begin Tuesday, January 18 and run through Friday, January 28.