The City of Langley has contracted SFE Global to test the sanitary sewer systems using smoke in designated areas of the City from August 15 to September 1, 2023, between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, weather permitting. The smoke is safe, NON-TOXIC, has no odour and creates no fire hazard. Smoke Testing is a method used to identify areas of leaks or cross-connections where rainwater or other surface drainage may enter the sanitary sewer system.
Sanitary sewers accept the wastewater from internal plumbing, whereas storm drains remove rainwater from the roof, foundation, and surface areas. By eliminating these sources of unnecessary inflow into the system, the likelihood of sanitary sewer overflows can be mitigated thereby reducing the impact on the environment, all while saving significant costs in sewer operations and maintenance.
During the brief test procedure, small volumes of test smoke may come from neighbouring roofs and vents or seep up from the ground. The smoke will only enter homes or businesses if there is a cross connection (e.g., a basement floor drain connected to the sanitary system) or a dry “P trap” in a drain.
To help prevent smoke from entering your home or business, please pour 1 to 2 litres of water into basement floor drains, hot water tank drains, sink drains, bathtub drains, shower drains, and any other water drains anywhere inside the buidling on your property. This should seal them off. It is an excellent idea to do this periodically to ensure sewer gases cannot enter the home or business.
SFE Global may require access to your property to be able to view all sides of the house and yard in addition to taking photographs to videotape for recording purposes. Inspections will not take place in the home or business, and we ask that you observe and document the potential source of smoke in your home or business, and forward it to the City.
Personnel will wear highly visible traffic vests and carry employee identification cards, which will be shown upon request. We would like to thank you for your cooperation.
For more information, please call Engineering Operations at 604-514-2910 or email engops@langleycity.ca