Smoke testing is one of the most effective ways to detect hidden leaks, breaks, or unauthorized connections in your sewer or drainage system. During the process, we introduce a safe, non-toxic smoke into your drain lines using a blower. The smoke travels through the pipes and exits through any openings—broken fittings, cracked joints, or faulty seals—showing us exactly where problems are hiding.
This test allows us to uncover issues you might never see from the surface. If smoke is escaping from a yard, crawlspace, wall, or vent where it shouldn’t be, we know right away there’s a leak or defect in the line. This helps us identify the exact location of the issue without needing to dig or tear into walls.
Smoke testing can identify a wide range of plumbing problems that are otherwise hard to trace. If you’ve been smelling foul sewer odors inside your home or business, the cause is often a dry trap, broken seal, or cracked line. Smoke testing helps confirm exactly where the air is escaping so it can be repaired properly.
We also use smoke testing to locate breaks in sewer lines under slabs, behind walls, or in landscaping. In some cases, it can uncover illegal connections to the sewer system, like sump pumps or gutter downspouts, that can overload your drainage during heavy rains.
In commercial buildings or multifamily homes, this method helps uncover cross-connections or improper vents that could be affecting air pressure in the system. The result is a thorough map of problem areas so we can create a repair plan that addresses the actual cause.
While camera inspections are valuable for visual confirmation inside the pipes, they don’t always reveal problems with airflow or odor migration. Smoke testing fills that gap. It shows how air and gases move through your system, which is important if you’re experiencing mysterious smells but don’t see any clogs or backups.
Unlike acoustic sensors or infrared scanning, smoke testing gives us real-time visual confirmation of a leak’s exact location. It’s faster than many other methods, less invasive, and provides a high level of accuracy.
In many cases, we’ll combine a smoke test with a camera inspection to verify both the structural and air integrity of the drain system. This gives you a complete picture of what’s going on underground and behind your walls.
When we perform a smoke test, we start by sealing off certain sections of the plumbing system. Then we introduce the smoke and monitor the property for any unusual emissions. You might see harmless white smoke rising from the yard, roof vents, or other openings. This is completely normal.
We’ll keep you informed during every step of the process. If any leaks are found, we’ll show you where they are and explain your options for repair. There’s no residue or cleanup needed from the smoke itself, and your water lines remain completely unaffected.
Our smoke tests are efficient, safe, and often the fastest way to solve frustrating plumbing mysteries. Whether you’re dealing with bad smells or suspect a hidden drain leak, this method gives you clarity and peace of mind.
We uphold the highest standards in the industry, using top-tier tools and techniques to get the job done right. With extensive knowledge and years of experience, we’re ready to handle any sewer or drain crisis, ensuring swift, professional service you can trust.
