Cookeville Residents Might See Smoke During Sewer Testing

Smoke testing in Cookeville’s sanitary sewer system will begin this week in various locations.

Testing will be done by  the Department of Water Quality Control to search for sources of storm and ground water entering the sanitary sewer system.

A special non-toxic smoke is being used and it leaves no stains. The smoke will have a distinctive odor, that only lasts a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation.

Residents homes connected to the sewer will see smoke leaving the plumbing vents on the roof. Residents should pour water down any drains that have not been used recently to fill the trap to prevent smoke from entering.

Door hangers will be distributed to properties affected by this project, approximately 24-48 hours prior to smoke testing. Cookeville will render all possible cooperation cooperation, especially in identifying the source of the problem, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewers on private property is the responsibility of the owner.