Helen to conduct smoke test on sewer system Monday, June 22

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  • Helen is planning on conducting its smoke test on its sewer system starting on Monday, June 22.
    Helen is planning on conducting its smoke test on its sewer system starting on Monday, June 22.
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Helen is planning on conducting its smoke test on its sewer system starting on Monday, June 22.

The test is estimated to take approximately one week, said City Manager Jerry Elkins. Notices will be sent to inform residents and business owners about what to expect with the test and what to do if smoke is in their house or business.

The smoke is nontoxic, nonstaining and was created for the test. To get rid of the smoke, just open doors and windows.

If the plumbing is working correctly, smoke should only come from the vents of the roof of the house, which is normal, according to the public notice. In most cases, smoke enters the location through drain fixtures that are not used a lot. It is requested that residents run water in all of their drains to make sure that all traps are full of water.

If smoke does enter the house, residents should report it immediately to the crews conducting the test in the neighborhood.

Conducting a smoke test was discussed at aHelen City Commission meeting in January. Fletcher Holliday of Engineering Management Inc. (EMI) spoke to commissioners about issues with the city’s sewer system collecting rainwater. He said there could be several causes for this including cracks, offset joints and manholes with leaks.

The test injects smoke into the sewer system through a manhole, and the smoke will come out any cracks, crevices, busted pipes or other location were rainwater might get in. Those issues would be documented and EMI could begin determining how to fix them.

For questions about the smoke test, contact Helen City Hall at 706-878-2733.