City to conduct smoke test in sewer system

Non-toxic smoke will be blown into sewer lines near downtown Whitefish on Thursday morning as the city tests for leaks in its sewer system.

The test should be complete by late morning.

The smoke will be introduced into manholes either in the street or in nearby alleys. This smoke will help crews locate where storm and other surface waters are entering the city's sewer system. The test will also reveal sources of sewer odors.

A drone helicopter will been flown above buildings looking for smoke exiting from vent pipes.

City officials say most residents won’t see or smell the smoke. The smoke is manufactured for these tests and leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals.

The city suggests running water into all drains for one minute the day prior to testing — especially drains used infrequently.

“The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant odor,” the city states in a press release. “In the unlikely event that you should have direct contact with the smoke, you may experience some minor irritation of the respiratory passages. These problems last only a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation.”

If traces of the smoke or its odor enter a house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter. Evidence of smoke in your house or building during the smoke testing should be immediately reported to the Public Works Department testing crew. Call Tim Johnson at 253-3584.

“Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke entering your building

is strongly recommended,” the release states. “While the Whitefish Public Works Department will render all possible assistance, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the owner.”

Leak testing smoke may enter your building or house if:

? Vents connected to your building's sewer pipe are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.

? Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly

installed or missing.

? Pipe, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your building are

damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.