Sanitary Sewer Testing to Begin Monday in Effingham

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Published on August 1 2020 6:41 am
Last Updated on August 1 2020 6:41 am
Written by Wayne Moran

The City of Effingham Friday announced that RJN Group, Inc. will begin the first phase of testing sanitary sewers in areas north of Interstate 57/70 on Monday, August 3rd. The testing will begin East of 4th Street to Silver Lake Subdivision, north to the City Limits.

The purpose of the smoke testing is to locate defects in the sewer system. The smoke is non-toxic, harmless, and creates no fire hazard. It should not enter your home unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps. Drain traps should always be filled with water to prevent sewer gases or odors from entering the building. If you have seldom used drains, the City advises you pour water in the drain to fill the trap, which should prevent smoke from the testing to enter. If smoke is found in your home or building, open your windows, and the smoke should dissipate quickly. If you do see smoke, the City asks that you also notify the onsite testing personnel or the onsite City staff. If the smoke does enter your home, the potential does exist for sewer gases to also enter your home, and you should consult your licensed plumber to fix any problems.

This will be an ongoing program and the information obtained will be used to improve the City’s sewer system in keeping with state and federal regulations.