The City of Issaquah will be conducting a smoke test of its sewer system in your neighborhood, on Apr. 15. The work will last one day, starting at 8 a.m. Staff will be placing door hangers on homes in the vicinity.
Work involves opening manholes in City streets and public utility easements, and introducing a special, non-toxic smoke.
This test enables crews to locate potential breaks and/or defects in the City’s sewer system. If smoke is observed on private property, this may also signify an improper connection or damage to a homeowner’s side sewer.
This smoke is nontoxic; doesn’t stain; has no odor; and does not create a fire hazard.
Very rarely does smoke enter a home. If it does, leave your home immediately and contact our onsite crews. We recommend this as a precautionary measure in case:
- There is a real fire (rather than a test).
- The smoke indicates that sewer gases are actually entering your home.
If you have basement floor drains that aren’t used often, we advise pouring a gallon of water down the drains prior to the testing.
Since any vapor could be an irritant, if there are any individuals in your home or business who have respiratory problems, please notify me at 425-837-3410 prior to testing.
Thank you for your patience while we test and maintain our sewer systems in your neighborhood. Questions can be emailed to Matt Ellis, Senior Utilities Engineer.