Released by the City of Bridgeport Engineering Department:

 

During the next 24 to 48 hours, the City of Bridgeport and Thrasher Engineering will commence smoke testing of the sanitary and storm sewer system in your area. Smoke testing is a cost-effective method to locate leaking sewers, lost manholes, and faulty sewer connections. With your cooperation, we can identify where runoff enters the sewer system and effect repairs. Our goal is to provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system. During rainstorms, excessively high volumes of runoff cause Combined Sewer Overflows to discharge.

 

Testing hours will be from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Residents can expect to see some smoke coming out of their sewer roof vents during the test. If a residence has a faulty sewer connection, smoke might enter the house through the faulty connection. If this occurs, DO NOT BE ALARMED. The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, and free of oil and colored particles. The smoke creates no fire hazard. Opening windows and doors will cause the smoke to dissipate. In the event that you should have direct contact with the smoke, you may experience some minor irritation of the respiratory passages. If people in your building have asthma, emphysema, or some other respiratory condition, please notify us so we can discuss your case in further detail. If traces of smoke or odors enter your building, it is an indication that sewer gases may also enter. Evidence of smoke in your house should be immediately reported to the City of Bridgeport and to your plumber. Location and identification of the source should be noted, if possible, and correction of the problem is highly recommended. Correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the owner.

During the day prior to the date of the scheduled testing, pour water down ALL drains in your home or building to ensure your U-bend sewer traps are full.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Department Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Contact: City of Bridgeport - Engineering Department 304-842-8231