CAROLINA BEACH — An area beach town will be conducting tests on its utilities system for two days this month.
A smoke-test of the sanitary sewer system will take place April 14 and 15, according to the Town of Carolina Beach. It will take place in the blocks between Seagull Lane to Saltmarsh on Canal Drive (north to south) and Carolina Beach Avenue North. It also includes the avenues of Florida, Georgia and Virginia extending to the Oceana area.
Non-toxic smoke is used. The testing involves opening of manholes in the streets and public utility easements to push through the smoke in order to locate breaks and defects that may be in the system.
“The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm water and other surface waters enter the sewer system,” a release indicates.
No residues or stains will be left behind from the smoke; there may be a slight smell but it lasts only a few minutes, according to the town. It has a few warnings for residents and homeowners, should smoke enter their structures, as it could indicate gases and odors from the sewer also may enter.
Smoke may enter if:
- Vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
- Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
- 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 plumbing fixture drain traps must be filled with water prior to smoke testing. It’s important to run faucets for 30 to 60 seconds for drains and pipes that are rarely used before April 14.
Information from the testing is used to improve sewer services and may reduce the eventual cost to utility customers. Concerns can be made by contacting: Chris Nichols Utilities Superintendent, at (910) 200-0711, or Shawn Thomas, Well & Sanitary Sewer Pump Station Supervisor, at (910) 782-9491.
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