TWU to conduct smoke testing Jan. 19-23

Tyler Water Utilities is performing smoke testing, as part of the Consent Decree, to help locate breaks and defects to improve the City's wastewater system from Monday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 23. The testing will be conducted by Pipeline Analysis from Jeff Davis Drive, Toll 49, Paluxy Drive, and South Broadaway Avenue.

During the process, air and smoke will be blown into the sanitary sewer system in the street to monitor where smoke escapes the system. White smoke will exit through vent pipes on the roofs of residences and through any sewer line breaks in the ground. The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue and does not create any fire hazards.

The smoke should not enter a residence unless there is defective plumbing or a dry drain trap. Dry drain traps occur when residents have drains that are not used on a regular basis. Residents should pour or run about a gallon of water in drains that are not used frequently to prevent smoke from entering any living areas.

The field crews will not need to access any residences or businesses to conduct the testing. Door hangers will be placed on all homes and businesses in the area to notify residents and business owners about the upcoming testing.

Pipeline Analysis employees will be opening manholes in the streets and backyard utility easements during the testing. Sewer service will not be interrupted during the smoke testing.

Residents and business owners can contact Pipeline Analysis at 1-800-637-0164 with any questions or concerns about the smoke testing.