CARY BEGINS ANNUAL SEWER SYSTEM LEAK TESTING 

Detection “smoke” to be pumped into portions of the system

CARY, NC – The Town of Cary plans to “smoke out” sewer problems in two areas of town as it begins its annual leak testing today. Testing will take place in the area west of Highway 55, generally bounded by High House Road and Carpenter Fire Station Road, and the West Lake area, generally bounded by Ten-Ten Road and Kildaire Farm Road. The Town’s Public Works and Utilities Department will conduct the leak tests throughout the next 10 weeks by introducing detection “smoke” into neighborhood sewer lines. The smoke will locate places where storm and other surface water can enter the Town’s sewer collection system as well as help reveal sources of sewer odors.

Cary uses a special, non-toxic product that, when mixed with pressurized air, gives the appearance of smoke. The product is manufactured for this purpose and, therefore, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals.  The “smoke” has a slight, distinctive–but not unpleasant–odor.  Traces of the smoke or its odor in houses or buildings are an indication that gases and odors from the sewer system may also be entering the structure.  Since sewer gases can be harmful, people who notice the test smoke in their buildings should immediately report it to the Public Works and Utilities Department testing crew by calling (919) 469-4090.

This year’s smoke testing is part of Cary ’s ongoing 15-year leak-testing project to help provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally-sound sewer system.  Town personnel expect to visit about 3,324 manholes and 177 miles of sewer lines as part of this year’s program. Last year’s testing involved roughly 2,070 manholes and 79.8 miles of sewer.   The Town of Cary’s sewer system, which also includes Morrisville, includes about 23,000 manholes in its 770 miles of sewer system.

To ensure that residents in the affected areas are comfortable with the testing process, the Town mailed letters advising property owners of the upcoming testing. Because of the size of the test area as well as the need for good weather, it will take several weeks to complete the project.  So, the Town will also distribute notices to every house and building within the 24 hours before the testing begins in a specific area. 

“While most residents will never see or smell the ‘smoke’, we want everyone to have as much information as possible about the testing,” said Sam Tingler, Cary’s Manager of Utility Systems Maintenance.  “This program is an important part of the Town’s maintenance program in that it greatly contributes to our ability to identify points of inflow into the system with little to no inconvenience to our customers.”

In the unlikely event that people have direct contact with the smoke, they may experience some minor respiratory irritation such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.  These conditions last only a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation.  However, those people with asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory conditions who are planning to stay in their homes or buildings during the testing have been asked to notify the Town immediately so that their case can be discussed in further detail.

“Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke entering a citizen’s home or business is strongly recommended,” said Tingler.  He added that while the Town’s Public Works and Utilities Department will render all possible assistance, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property will be the responsibility of the owner.

Leak testing “smoke” may enter a structure if:

1.    Vents connected to the building’s sewer pipe are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed; or

2.      Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing; or,

3.      Pipe, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under a building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

Once the 24-hour notice is received, occupants are encouraged to run water into all of their drains for one minute, especially those used infrequently.  This will reduce the likelihood of smoke entering the house inadvertently because of dry traps (number 2 above).

Customers with questions or who desire more information should call (919) 469-4090 during regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), or visit our Smoke Testing Web section anytime at www.townofcary.org where you can track the project’s progress.

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