Dundee will 'smoke test' sewer lines

DUNDEE--The village of Dundee will be 'smoke testing' the sanitary sewer lines from May 21 to June 1.
The testing will occur between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Village officials say the tests involve injecting smoke into parts of the sewer system to find damaged pipes, improper connections and locations where unwanted storm water may be entering the village's sewer system. As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, sewer laterals or manhole covers. The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented and the water traps contain water.
The village offers the following recommendations for residents.
• If a person has a bathroom or plumbing fixture that is not used or seldom used, traps should be filled by running water in the fixtures the day before the scheduled smoke testing. Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures the day before the scheduled smoke testing. Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures and sewer gases could then enter a home or office.
The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is harmless to humans, pets, food and material items. Since vapor can be an irritant, direct contact with the "smoke" may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people. If smoke does enter a building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation. If a person has any questions about the smoke testing call the village office at 607-243-5551.
A home owner or business owner is not required to be present during this test and all public safety authorities have been notified of this event.