Smoke testing

Smoke testing is a safe and effective way to check the condition of the wastewater network. Council uses harmless white smoke to identify damaged pipes, incorrect connections and places where stormwater may be entering the wastewater system.

Testing can help identify:

Damaged or defective wastewater pipes
Stormwater connections to the wastewater system
Faulty manholes
Cross-connections between drainage systems
Other places where stormwater may be entering the wastewater network

During testing, white smoke is introduced into sections of the wastewater system using specialised equipment. The smoke moves through the network in a similar way to sewer gases, helping crews locate defects and unwanted connections.

What can I expect to see?

During smoke testing, you may see:

White smoke coming from wastewater manholes
Smoke venting from sewer vents on homes and buildings
Smoke coming from gully traps around properties
Smoke escaping from cracks in the ground, retaining walls or damaged pipes
Council staff or contractors working around manholes and road reserves

Seeing smoke in these locations is generally a normal part of the testing process.

Is the smoke safe?

Yes. The smoke is:

Non-toxic and non-staining
Safe for people, pets and plants
Odourless or has only a mild odour
Similar in appearance to fog or theatrical smoke

It does not create a fire hazard and disperses naturally after a short time.

Do I need to do anything?

In most cases, no. You can continue your normal activities while testing is underway.

If smoke enters your property

Smoke may occasionally enter a building through a dry or defective plumbing trap. If this happens:

Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
Let the testing crew know or contact Council.
Check that sinks, floor wastes and other plumbing fixtures have water in their traps.

Why is Council undertaking smoke testing?

Smoke testing helps Council identify where repairs or improvements to the wastewater network may be needed. This helps us:

Reduce the risk of wastewater overflows
Target maintenance and renewal work
Identify stormwater entering the wastewater network during wet weather
Improve network performance
Protect public health and the environment

How long will testing take?

Testing each section of pipe usually takes only a few minutes. Crews may remain in an area for several hours while they investigate multiple sections of the wastewater network.

Frequently asked questions

Will the smoke damage my property?
No. The smoke is non-staining and will not damage buildings, furnishings, clothing or landscaping.

Why is smoke coming from a vent on my roof?
This is normal. Sewer vents allow air to move through the wastewater system, so smoke may be visible from them during testing.

What if I see smoke coming from the ground?
This may indicate a crack or other defect in the wastewater network. Testing crews will record these locations for further investigation.

If you have questions or concerns about smoke testing, please contact us.