Full Notification

Notice of Smoke Testing

Smoke Testing of the sanitary sewer lines is being conducted through April 30th Fleis & VandenBrink in the City of Albion.  Work will occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.

Fleis & VandenBrink will be doing smoke testing to the sanitary sewer lines in the City of Albion.  These tests involve blowing harmless smoke into parts of the sewer system to find damage, improper connections, and where unwanted water may be entering the City's sewer system. As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, sewer laterals or manhole covers. The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the water traps contain water.

Recommendation For Residents:

If you have a bathroom or plumbing fixtures that are not used or seldom used, traps should be filled by running water in the fixtures the day before scheduled smoke testing.  Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures and Sewer gases can enter the home.  Water should be added on a monthly basis thereafter in order to prevent sewer gas from entering the home or office.

The smoke coming out of the “chimneys” is most likely smoke coming out of the vent stack, which is a pipe that protrudes through the roof.  This IS a good thing.  It means the house is properly vented.

The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items. If smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation. Please advise a representative of the smoke testing crew if any leakage occurs in your home or business. Additionally, if you have any questions about the test, health issues or any other concerns, feel free to ask a crew member, or contact Fleis & VandenBrink, Jeff Wingard - Project Manager, 4798 Campus Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, 269-385-0011.

Residents presence is not required during the tests, and all public safety authorities have been notified of this event. We would appreciate it if you would mention this notice to your neighbors in case they have not received a notice.