Sewer Pipe Smoke Testing

The Garland Water Utilities Department will conduct leakdetection tests in south Garland during July, August and September.

The tests are performed by the department’s Inflow & Infiltration division by pumping a special nontoxic, nonstaining smoke into the sewer lines a section at a time. If there is a crack or break anywhere in the pipeline, the smoke will rise to the surface and the crew can visually see the exact location where repairs are needed.

The smoke is created using a mineral oil base that does not cause harm to humans or animals. It won’t leave a residue even if it gets into a house. This test may also help a resident discover a plumbing problem in the house. Smoke will come up in weak spots (plumbing issues) even if the P-trap is full.

If a resident has not used a drain or P-trap for 10 days or more, the water has probably evaporated. It is recommended that residents run the faucet for about 10 seconds to fill the P-trap so smoke does not come into the house.

An informational tag will be hung on every front door of a neighborhood at least three days before the work will start. Rain or high winds can affect test results, so there are times when testing will be postponed. Residents will be notified if defects are found on private property.

Because the area is fairly large, testing may continue into October. A map of the specific areas of testing is available at GarlandWater.com

If you have any questions about the City’s smoke testing program, call 972-205-3210 or email WaterOps@GarlandTX.gov.

Garland Water Utilities reminds residents to practice efficient watering practices for healthy lawns. From April through October, the City Water Conservation Plan calls for limiting landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems to no more than two days per week. Less than twice per week is usually adequate. The plan also prohibits lawn irrigation watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.