City to conduct smoke testing to locate openings in sewer system

Dec. 18, 2025

City to conduct smoke testing to locate openings in sewer system

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The City of Fayetteville will be performing sewer system smoke testing Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 22-23, to check for leaks, cracks, misaligned joints and other sources that can allow groundwater and surface water to enter the sewer system.

The Water and Sewer Division will inspect streets, easements and other areas related to the City sewer system. Crews will not need to enter homes or businesses.

The process involves forcing air, combined with non-toxic smoke, into the sewer lines to disclose the location of connections and leaks. Smoke may appear where there are defects in the main sewer line or laterals (connections between the main line and a building), or where there are other connections to the sewer system, such as roof drains, patio drains, footing drains and cleanouts.

Smoke will exit from the vent pipe on top of each residence during smoke testing. This is a normal occurrence for the procedure. Smoke should not enter buildings unless there is defective plumbing or dried-up drain traps.

Prior to smoke testing in neighborhoods, notices will be placed on the residences' doors 24-72 hours ahead of where the testing will occur. Also, the Fayetteville Fire Department has been notified of the smoke testing.

To help prevent smoke from entering your home, residents in the designated area (see map below) are asked to pour water into infrequently used sinks, showers and floor drains. If smoke does enter your home, the potential exists for dangerous sewer gases to also enter your home; a licensed plumber can correct such problems.

The smoke is white, non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue or stains, dissipates quickly and is harmless to plant or animal life. However, if someone in your home has respiratory problems, you may wish to take extra precautions on your own, such as leaving your home until the smoke testing is completed.

Smoke testing involves opening and entering manholes in streets and easements. Some sewer lines and manholes may be located in an easement on private property. Whenever these lines require investigation, crews will need access to the easements. Please temporarily secure your pets away from these locations. Workers will not need to enter your house. You do not need to be home during testing.

If you believe smoke is entering your home from smoke testing, or if you have questions about the City's Smoke Testing Program, please contact Water and Sewer at 479-575-8386.

Below is a map of the area crews will be performing the smoke testing:.

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Media contact: Gracie Ziegler
Chief Communications Officer
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
479-575-8303
[email protected]