What is smoke testing?
Smoke testing is a proven method in which technicians utilize a smoke generator to blow nontoxic smoke into manholes. The smoke travels through sewer pipes and finds its way out, lightly billowing from the ground when cracks in the underground piping exist. The coordinates of damaged pipes are carefully notated to be addressed in future projects. 

Why is the city doing smoke testing?
Testing determines the state of underground pipes that carry wastewater out of homes and businesses and ultimately into area wastewater treatment plants. When infrastructure ages, cracks in sewer pipes can let rainwater seep in, overloading their capacity and pushing too much wastewater at a time into treatment plants.  

What areas are being tested?
The city is divided into six separate drainage basins for sewer collection: Floyd Branch Basin, Duck Creek Basin, Cottonwood Basin, Prairie Creek Basin, Spring Creek Basin and Rowlett Creek Basin. Work on the multiyear project will wrap up in summer 2024 with the testing in the Rowlett Creek Basin. 

Is it safe?
The smoke is nontoxic and residue-free.

How long will the tests take?
It takes around an hour for each partial street block section.

How will I know when my area is being tested?
Residents in testing areas should watch for informational door hangers about two days prior to testing making them aware of the process on their street. Testing is weather-permitting; results are measured when the ground is not saturated.

Who will be conducting the tests?
RJN Group is completing the testing.

Will work crews need to enter my home or business?
No. Work crews may work near properties but will not ask for access to residences or businesses.  

Will the smoke come inside?
While the testing is specifically done for city infrastructure, the smoke makes its way out of house sewer vents. If a home sink or tub drain has not been used recently, there is a chance smoke will emit from it. Residents are encouraged to run water into seldom-used drains prior to testing. Other smoke that leaks into a house is a likely sign of plumbing problems within the structure and should be addressed by a licensed plumber. Although the presence of smoke can activate a smoke alarm, the smoke does not create a fire hazard.  

Is this a long-term project?
A multiyear, citywide examination began in 2017 of approximately 2.16 million linear feet of sewer pipe, or more than 400 miles of sewer line, across Richardson. In summer 2024, crews will examine the final 140,500 linear feet of sewer pipe.