Lexington to begin smoke testing sewer pipes Sept. 9. Here’s where and tips for your home
As part of a larger effort to identify and tackle foul odors reported around Lexington’s main sewage treatment plants, the city will begin smoke testing in the Meadowthorpe neighborhood beginning Sept. 9.
Cumberland Hill and Pinnacle neighborhoods will soon follow. The city hopes to have all smoke testing done by early November.
Meadowthorpe is near one of the city’s sewage treatment plants off of Leestown Road. Cumberland Hill and Pinnacle neighborhoods are on the city’s south side and are near the city’s other sewage treatment plant. Both areas have reported strong, noxious odors for more than a year.
Smoke testing allows city officials to determine if there are broken sewage pipes or lines.
Contractors pump a non-toxic smoke called Hydromax into sewer manholes. If a sewage pipe is broken, white smoke will appear.
City officials are cautioning homeowners not to be alarmed if they see white smoke exiting vents of homes or businesses.
The smoke is non-toxic, but people with heart problems, emphysema or other breathing issues, sleeping shift workers and those who keep pets in the basement should take precautions, city officials said.
Take these steps to decrease the chance of smoke entering your home:
- If you have sinks that are not used often, make sure there is water in the trap. Simply run the faucet for a few minutes.
- If you have basement drain, pour a gallon of water into the drain. This will ensure there is water in the trap. Water helps decrease the chances of smoke entering the home
If smoke does enter your home:
- Open your windows and doors to let the smoke out. It should go away quickly.
- The smoke will not leave any residue and is not a fire hazard.
- Contact the crews working in your neighborhood to let them know that smoke entered your home. You can flag them down or call (888) 357-6653.
Crews will alert neighbors when smoke testing will occur with door hangers on front doors.
To learn when smoke testing will occur in your neighborhood go to lexingtonky.gov/sewerupdates.
