Smoke Testing Sanitary Sewer System
In July 2017, the City of Valdosta completed the smoke testing project for the sanitary sewer system, which included approximately 1,712,150 linear feet (over 300 miles). The City hired Constantine Engineering to smoke test the entire sanitary sewer system and estimated that the project would take 4 years. Work began in January 2014 and was completed ahead of schedule. The purpose of this project was to identify and eliminate sources of stormwater inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sewer system that cannot be identified by closed-circuit televising of sewer lines.
As part of the project, the city sewer system was divided into five zones. Door hangers were distributed to citizens in the areas to be tested 24 to 48 hours before testing began. The white or greyish-colored smoke used during the test is non-toxic, non-staining, odorless, creates no fire hazard and does not pose any harm to the environment. Typically smoke is seen coming out of:
- Missing sewer clean-out caps
- Breaks in sewer lines or manholes
- Roof vent stacks associated with the building's plumbing system and/or roof drains that should NOT be connected to the sewer system
- Stormwater ponds or catch basins that are improperly connected to the sewer system
Following the smoke testing of each zone, Constantine Engineering provided an inventory of the defects and repairs needed within the sewer system, which included both public and private defects with cleanouts, manholes, main lines, service lines, and stormwater cross connections. A total of 1,442 defects were found and as of July 2017, the following repairs have been made:
- Cleanout repairs: 288
- Manhole repairs: 63
- Main line repairs: 7 (14,376 ft of sewer mains lined)
- Storm Cross Connection: 12
- Service Line Defects: 253
Over the next year, City staff will work to address the remaining 819 defects.
Smoke Test Locations
2017 - Week of Start Date | Map |
---|---|
June 19, 2017 | Multiple locations |
April 10, 2017 | Park & Ponderosa and Hill & Cypress Areas |
April 3, 2017 | Gordon, Forrest, Troup, Vallotton Area |
January 23, 2017 | Forrest and Park Area |
2016 - Week of Start Date | Map |
---|---|
July 11, 2016 | Knights Academy Area |
August 1, 2016 | |
August 15, 2016 | Forrest and Inner Perimeter Rd Area |
August 22, 2016 | Pineview Dr and Forrest St Area |
September 26, 2016 | Ashley, Bemiss and Perimeter Area |
October 24, 2016 | Oak, Cowart, Ashley and Brookwood Area |
November 28, 2016 | Brookwood, Ashley, and Forrest Area |
2014/2015 - Week of Start Date | Map |
---|---|
January 27, 2014 | |
February 10, 2014 | |
February 17, 2014 | |
March 10, 2014 | |
March 24, 2014 | |
March 31, 2014 | |
July 7, 2014 | |
July 14, 2014 | |
July 21, 2014 | |
July 28, 2014 | |
August 4, 2014 | |
August 11, 2014 | |
August 25, 2014 | |
August 10, 2015 | |
August 17, 2015 | |
August 24, 2015 | |
September 7, 2015 | |
September 21, 2015 |
Helpful Resources
- Smoke Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Door Hanger (English and Spanish)
- Example pictures of Smoke Testing
If there are additional questions, contact the Utilities Department at 229-259-3592 or the contractor at 229-588-2864.
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1016 Myrtle Street
Valdosta, Georgia 31601