SEQUIM — The city of Sequim’s Public Works Department will be conducting sanitary smoke testing of a portion of the city’s sewer system from Monday through Thursday.
Crews will be testing sewer lines in the area bounded by Hendrickson and McCurdy roads and by Priest Road and Sequim Avenue.
Public Works recommends that residents flush all toilets and run water down all sinks, tubs, and laundry drains before the first day of the testing period to make sure that all drain traps contain enough water to prevent smoke from entering the building through the drains.
Testing involves filling sewer lines with a non-toxic smoke to check for leaks or faulty connections.
Residents should not be concerned by smoke coming from vent stacks on buildings, manhole covers, storm drains or building foundations.
According to a press release, smoke inside buildings is not an immediate threat but residents should open doors and windows to help dissipate the smoke and consider hiring a licensed plumber to identify the source of the leak which may also allow sewer gases to enter their residence.
The smoke is will not leave residue or stain furniture or walls but it may cause some irritation and coughing.
For detailed information about the composition of the smoke, visit www.sequimwa.gov.
Work crews will place green and blue A-frame signs in neighborhoods and pink door hangers before testing to inform residents.
Residents who see smoke in their home but do not have signs for testing on their block should call 9-1-1.
Residents with respiratory problems or mobility limitations are asked to notify Peter Tjemsland, the utilities manager, at 360-683-4908 or by email at sewersmoketest@sequimwa.gov before testing begins.
