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Public Notice: Vapour Testing

Public Notice: Vapour Testing

Upcoming Sanitary Sewer Vapour Testing in Conception Bay South

The Town of Conception Bay South is engaging BioMaxx Environmental Ltd. to conduct vapour testing in its sanitary sewer system. Vapour testing, sometimes referred to as smoke testing, is a noninvasive method used by municipalities to identify potential leaks and defects in the sanitary sewer system. 

BioMaxx will systematically traverse the community streets, pressurizing the system with a non-toxic vapour to access escape points and problem areas.  

Residents are advised that the vapour is harmless, odourless, and will disappear quickly. Vapour should only enter homes if there is a cross-connection between storm systems and sanitary sewer lines. If this occurs, the vapour will dissipate within 30 seconds once a window or door is opened.

Watch the short video below to see some of the things we can find and what the vapour may look like.

 

Purpose
The purpose of vapour testing is to find potential points of inflow and infiltration (i.e. cracks in pipe, improper connections, etc.) of unwanted water into the sanitary sewer system.
Location
Testing is to occur throughout the entire sanitary sewer system in Conception Bay South.
Schedule
Vapour testing is scheduled to begin the week of Monday, August 26, 2024, and is anticipated to take approximately two months. The service provider’s regular working hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vapour testing consists of blowing artificial smoke “vapour” into the sanitary sewer system and observing where the vapour exits the system, in order to locate deficiencies and areas of the sewer system that need updating. The vapour is expected to exit from manholes and the sewer vent stack of houses in the area; however, vapour exiting from your yard suggest a possible break in the sewer line.


Vapour testing is the most efficient and cost effective method of determining where unwanted water is entering the sewer system and areas of the sewer system that need improvement. The testing can also help identify issues with plumbing in buildings. The vapour is harmless, odourless, and will disappear quickly.


No. The vapour utilized during vapour testing is LiquiSmokeTM and is commonly used in the industry. The vapour is not harmful to you, your pets, or house plants. It will not harm or stain clothes, drapes, or furniture. It is not flammable and does not create a fire hazard. While the vapour is not considered harmful, it is recommended to avoid prolonged periods of exposure. If vapour appears from a drain inside your residence, open windows and ventilate well to dissipate the vapour.

Here it is: Hurco LiquiSmoke Material Safety Data Sheet

Please be advised that there is not an SDS (previously called MSDS) specifically for the vapour because vapour products are not classified in the same way as liquids or solids. However, the vapour generated by LiquiSmoke has been thoroughly tested by an independent laboratory, and the results show it is well within safety limits. This means the vapour, referred to as smoke within the reporting, is safe for residents and will not leave any stains or residue on property.

For detailed information, please refer to the following report: LiquiSmoke SDS and Test Results Explanation 2020


No. Homeowners do not need to be home and at no time will a field crew member need to enter your home.

The vapour is not harmful to pets, but you can place your pet in an area of the home that has no plumbing, or leave windows cracked for good ventilation. If your plumbing is properly connected and all the drain traps are seals, there should not be any problems.

You should ensure that all plumbing drain traps (i.e. under sinks, tubs, washing machine, floor drains) have water in them, as water will prevent smoke from entering your house through the pipes. Simply flush your toilet, run water in all sinks and tubs for a minute, and pour water into your basement floor drain. Frequently used drain traps typically have water in them; however, infrequently used drain traps may go dry.

Yes, smoke alarms may be activated during vapour testing if some enters your home. If it does, open windows and doors for ventilation. If you are not sure or have any doubts about the vapour, call 911.

Provided that your plumbing is installed correctly and functioning properly and all drain traps are filled with water, you will not have vapour entering your home. However, if smoke enters your home during the test, it probably means there are deficiencies in the plumbing that may allow potentially dangerous sewer gases to enter.

Exit your home and notify the vapour testing crew. The vapour is not harmful; however, there may be sewer gases in your house. Also, the smoke may be due to a real fire and not from the smoke test. 

Contact

For further information, please contact Nelson J. Marsh, General Manager – Atlantic Canada Operations at BioMaxx Environmental:
Call: 709-770-7335
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.biomaxx.ca

You can also use the form below to contact the Town’s Engineering and Public Works Department: 

Posted on: August 6, 2024 | Return to News

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