Full Notification

***Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing***

Dear Resident:

Your neighborhood has experienced increased sewer overflows in the past due to excessive rain and groundwater entering and overloading the sewer system. The City has recently completed a project that increased the capacity of the sewer line and greatly reduced the sewer overflows. However, Public Works still needs to conduct smoke testing on sewer lines in the area to help identify and eliminate problems that allow rain and groundwater to enter the lines. This testing will begin June 5, 2017 and continue for approximately two months. Please refer to the attached map and dates to see when your area will be tested.

The following tasks should be completed before your area is tested:
•Make sure all drain traps and plumbing fixtures have water in them. Fill seldom used drains (such as floor drains, garage sinks, etc.) with water by running the faucet for 30 to 60 seconds or filling the drain with approximately 3 cups of water.

•Prepare drains as soon as you receive this smoke testing notice, this only needs to be done once before testing begins.

•Smoke should not enter your home. However, if it does this, it could be an indication of a defect in the plumbing system of your home. This defect could allow sewer gases to enter inside your home, which is a potential health hazard. Corrections of such defects on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, and a licensed plumber should be consulted to ensure the proper corrections are made. If smoke does enter your home or building, please notify the field technicians who are conducting the test.

•You do not need to be home during the smoke testing field work.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process. Please refer to the Red Oak Public Works Department website at www.redoaktx.org for project updates, maps and more information. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at 972-576-3414.

Sincerely,

Ray Silva-Reyes
Public Works Director