Weather permitting, smoke testing of the sanitary sewer lines in Burlington will be conducted from Wednesday, August 28, 2019 to Thursday, August 29, 2019 by the City of Burlington, Public Works Department. The smoke used is non-toxic, harmless and creates no fire hazard. It is used to locate defects in the sewer lines, and will not enter your building unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps.
If you have drains that are seldom or never used and want to reduce the chance of smoke entering your building, pour water in the drains to fill the traps. Adding a small amount of vegetable oil will help slow down the evaporation of water in seldom used drains. If smoke still enters your building, then you may have defective plumbing, and sewer gases could enter your building at any time. Smoke in the building can be dissipated quickly by opening windows.
The attached map shows the area that sewers will be tested within the next few days. The City of Burlington crews will typically work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your cooperation is appreciated.
If you would like more information, have respiratory issues or need special assistance please call the number below.
If smoke enters your home please contact a member of the field crew if they are still on your street or call the number below.
City of Burlington, Public Works Department – 319-753-8171