Front Royal Begins Smoke Testing Sewer System; Residents May See Smoke Around Homes

Front Royal residents may notice white or gray smoke coming from sewer lines, manholes, and even rooftop plumbing vents over the next few weeks, but town officials say there is no cause for alarm.

The Town of Front Royal has hired CHA to conduct smoke testing of the town’s sewer system as part of an effort to locate leaks that allow rainwater, creek water, and other stormwater runoff to enter the sanitary sewer system.

Testing began Monday, Sept. 28, and is expected to continue for several weeks in areas throughout town.

Uniformed CHA crews will work along sewer lines and around manholes during testing. Residents in areas scheduled for testing are being notified with pink door hangers.

What Residents Should Do

Anyone receiving a smoke-testing notice is asked to take a few simple steps before testing occurs.

Residents should run approximately one gallon of water from each faucet into sinks and showers and allow it to drain. About a gallon of water should also be poured into floor drains, and any unused or dry toilets should be filled with water.

The water fills plumbing drain traps and helps prevent smoke from entering the building.

According to the town, smoke should not enter a home or business unless there is defective plumbing or a dry drain trap.

CHA crews will not need to enter homes or businesses to conduct the testing.

Don’t Be Alarmed by Smoke

Residents may see smoke coming from plumbing vent stacks on rooftops during the testing. According to the town, that is normal and indicates that the building’s plumbing ventilation is functioning properly.

The testing smoke is white to gray, nearly odorless, non-toxic, and non-staining. Officials said it will not leave a residue, create a fire hazard or harm people or pets.

If smoke does appear inside a home or business, it could indicate a plumbing defect or a drain trap that does not contain water.

The testing is designed to identify locations where unwanted water is entering the sewer system, helping the town determine where repairs or other improvements may be needed.

Residents with questions about the testing can contact CHA Field Manager John Guidone at 704-202-0178 or Brian Lawing at the CHA office at 704-822-8444.

The Front Royal Public Works Department can provide additional information at 540-635-7819.