WHEN AND WHERE  IS IT? 

Total Flow, Inc. will be working with the City of Pacifica (the City) to perform smoke testing on sanitary lines in in the neighborhoods of Park Pacifica, Linda Mar and Pedro Point.  Testing will commence during the week of September 19, 2022 until the end of November 2022 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday except Holidays and weather permitting).

Residents will be given Reminder Notices at least 24-72 hours prior to work in their area.

WHY IS THE CITY SMOKE TESTING? 

Smoke testing is an efficient and cost-effective way to locate and identify the source of storm water infiltration problems. Testing is important because each year millions of gallons of storm water enters sanitary sewers and can overload the system, pump stations and treatment plant.

The sanitary sewer system is designed for only wastewater from homes and businesses to flow to a treatment p lant. The storm water drainage system is a separate network of pipes channeling storm water into creeks and waterways and directly into the Bay.

The infiltration of storm water in any amount into the sanitary sewer system can cause and contribute to the overflow of untreated wastewater during storm events and potentially results in environmental and property damage.

HOW DOES SMOKE TESTING WORK? 

Smoke Testing: The smoke testing process involves blowing non-toxic smoke through the sanitary sewer system to locate any damaged pipes, improper connections, and areas where unwanted storm water may be entering the sanitary sewer system. The smoke will follow the path of any leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source of a problem.

This is Key: The smoke maybe seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch-basins, clean-outs, down-spouts, sewer laterals, and manhole covers.

If smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation. Open up doors and windows to ventilate the premises and clear the smoke.

IS THE SMOKE HARMFUL? 

The smoke you see coming from the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground is 100% NON-TOXIC, NON-HAZARDOUS, NON-STAINING, HAS NO ODOR, WHITE TO GRAY IN COLOR AND CREATES NO FIRE HAZARD. It is specifically formulated for this kind of testing and is not harmful to plants, animals or humans. However, direct contact with smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in rare cases but is generally not considered harmful to your health.

The smoke should not enter your building, but if it does, it will be a distinct odor and should only last a few minutes with proper ventilation.

A copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) can be accessed in the City’s website: https://www.cityofpacifica.org/departments/public-works/wastewater-treatment/Sanitary-Sewer-Smoke-Testing/Safety-Data-Sheet.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SMOKE COMES OUT OF A PLUMBING FIXTURE IN MY HOUSE?

The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the water traps contain water. If you see smoke in your home, open doors and windows for ventilation, and then inform the crew chief doing the testing in your area.

Smoke entering a building indicates that odor from the sewer system may also be entering, which can be unpleasant. We advise you to locate, identify, and correct the source of any smoke entering the building as soon as possible.

Possible causes for smoke entering the building are:

• Defective, inadequate or improperly installed vents, pipes, joints and seals of the building’s sewer system.
• Dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing traps under sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains, etc.

Defects causing smoke outside buildings are more typical. Common defects include:

• Sewer lateral system cracks, holes or loose joints.
  • Missing or unapproved cleanout caps.
• Roof downspouts and area drains cross-connected to the sanitary system.

HOW DO I PREPARE BEFORE THE THE SMOKE TESTING IS IN MY AREA?

If you have a bathroom or plumbing fixture that is used or is seldom used, P-traps (U-joint under the sink and in drains) should be filled with water by running the sink for a couple of minutes, before scheduled smoke testing occurs in your area to prevent smoke from entering the building.

P-Trap holding water

DO I NEED TO BE HOME DURING SMOKE TESTING?

Contractors will not need access to your residence. There is no need to be at home, but it may be helpful if areas need to be ventilated.

CAN SMOKE CLOG THE SEWER?

No, the smoke will not clog the sewer. The smoke is made up of a vaporous substance like fog.

ARE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AWARE OF THE SMOKE TESTING?

Both the City’s Police Department and North County Fire Department have been notified of locations and dates of areas to be tested.

WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP AFTER THE SMOKE TESTING PERIOD?

Defects located by smoke testing are identified, documented and photographed by the smoke testing personnel. The information gathered during the smoke testing period will be used to create a prioritized plan to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) impacts to the sanitary sewer system. Sewer defects will exist on both public and private property and will need to be corrected in a timely manner. After the smoke testing is complete, notices will be sent to those property owners that will need to make corrections. Often times, it can be as simple as removing a connected roof downspout and letting it drain above ground, or replacing a broken or missing lateral cleanout cap in your yard. City will assist homeowners in determining the best approach in disconnecting I&I sources and rerouting storm drainage.

WHOM DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR A PROBLEM?

If you have any problems or concerns, please contact:

Jeff Blum (Total Flow, Inc.): (341) 221-0151 Or

Rey Mendez (DPW/WW): (650) 738-4600