Villagewide Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Project

Beginning Monday June 27th, the Village of Port Chester will conduct smoke testing along Westchester Avenue between N. Regent Street and S. Main Street.  This testing will begin at 9:00 AM each morning and should conclude around 3:00 PM over the course of the week. Be advised that smoke testing cannot be done during inclement weather effectively, so this process remains weather dependent and may exceed one week if weather dictates.

What is the benefit to the Village for performing a Smoke Test?

Smoke testing is one technique utilized to identify segments of sewers that may exhibit inflow during heavy rainfall. Smoke testing is best used to detect inflow sources such as roof downspouts, driveways, yard and area drains, foundation drains, illegal connections, and storm water drainage system cross-connections. It can also detect structural damages and leaking joints in sewer pipes.

What exactly is a Smoke Test?

A field crew from, Delaware Engineering, the contractor retained on behalf of the Village of Port Chester will use liquid smoke to test sewer lines.  Smoke blowers are placed on manholes and white smoke is blown through the sewer system. Any location where white smoke is identified during the test, except plumbing vent stacks, is a potential Infiltration/Inflow source for storm water or groundwater to enter the collection system. Smoke testing personnel will be identified by wearing hard hats and traffic vests. 

How will residents know when Smoke Testing will be performed in their neighborhoods?

Testing will be performed during the Summer and Fall 2022 and affected property owners are being notified with informational letters.  

Is the smoke that is used hazardous?

No. The smoke that comes out of the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground is non-toxic, and harmless. It does not create a fire hazard. The Police and Fire Departments will be made aware of the test areas and schedule.

What happens after the smoke testing has been completed?

 If white smoke does enter, this is evidences of a violation and the Village will follow up with a Notice of Violation. This notification sets forth the nature of the violation and that corrective action is required.  If white smoke from the testing can enter through faulty plumbing the potential exists for dangerous sewer gases to also enter the home. A licensed plumber should be consulted. Typically, the notice will provide a period of thirty (30) days to correct the violation. However, the Village will work with property owners on a timeline for repairs if more time is needed to complete any remedial work. 

 The Building Department and Department of Code Enforcement stand ready to assist you in the remedial process.  

 Building Department- (914) 939-5203

 Code Enforcement- (914) 305-2552

What if the problem is not corrected?

The Village depends on full cooperation to correct the problem. However, in the event that this does not occur, the Village will be required to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to address the issue.   

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