Lamar to test sewer system
The Town of Lamar Water and Sewer Department will be conducting smoke testing of its sanitary sewer system in the coming weeks.
This smoke testing is set to begin the week of May 25 and will last for several days or weeks. This study will involve the opening of manholes in the streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm water and other surface water may be entering the sewer system.
A special non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed; if traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing; and if pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.
All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter. Should smoke enter your home or business, contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or the Lamar Water and Sewer Department at 843-326-5551.