​​Nobody wants to imagine sewage leaking into their homes. With 34 billion gallons of wastewater processed daily, even the most minor leak could contaminate your home with foul smells and hazardous materials.

Pinpointing the source of an unpleasant odor early is also critical to prevent a small problem from turning into a big problem. And this is where a plumber smoke test comes in. This guide discusses smoke testing in plumbing , when you should get it done, and what you can expect.

The smoke test in plumbing is poorly named because there’s no smoke involved. Instead, the “smoke” is artificial and more akin to the substances found within artificial fog machines. Unlike old-fashioned smoke bombs, liquid smoke used today is harmless to humans and animals, making it a safe and efficient testing solution.

The purpose of this smoke is to detect leaks and other plumbing issues by forcing artificial smoke through your pipes and giving your plumber a visual of where the problem lies. If there’s a leak in a line, wisps of smoke will emerge from the cracks.

But what if a leak is small or in a location where it can’t be seen? In this case, your plumber can also use a black light to search for any temporary residue the smoke leaves behind.

You should ask for smoke leakage testing when you think there’s a problem because proactive repairs can prevent serious plumbing issues later.

Smoke testing is the industry’s gold standard for detecting leaks of various kinds. Also, smoke testing is popular among homeowners because it is affordable.

If you need a smoke test for leaks , here are some of the scenarios whereby you can benefit from leak test plumbing :

In short, any typical signs of a plumbing leak could necessitate a smoke test. As this is such a cost-effective detection strategy, there’s a good chance your plumber will recommend it as their first option for investigating a hidden leak.

Remember, the longer you avoid a sewer gas smoke test , the greater the chance of a minor problem becoming a major problem later. Remember, the average cost to replace an entire plumbing system could be as much as $16,000, so staying vigilant by ordering a smoke test will pay off.

All homes are different. This is why there’s no single flat rate for a smoke test for sewer gas and water leaks.

If you believe a problem with your plumbing system could be helped by ordering a smoke test, call Swan at 214-989-7207 for a quote today.

Preparing for your smoke test is as simple as calling us. Your plumber will take the lead by bringing all the necessary equipment and briefing you on how they will conduct the test and what you should do to keep your family safe.

But what can you expect from the test?

Each test should take about 15 minutes. However, the entire process of smoke testing your home can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the size of your home and the problems you’ve been experiencing.

The smoke we use in testing is non-toxic and leaves no permanent stains or residue. However, it can lead to minor respiratory irritation in some people, so your plumber will always wear appropriate safety equipment.

We recommend stepping outside while we conduct the test. But if that is not possible due to mobility or health issues, open all the windows and doors in your home to provide proper ventilation.

The only other safety measure we recommend is pouring a half-gallon of water into all basement floor drains or seldom-used sinks and drains. This ensures that all your home’s drain traps are filled with water before the test, reducing the chances of smoke entering your house.

As long as precautions are taken, it’s rare for smoke to enter your home.

What can a plumbing smoke test detect?

Smoke testing can uncover problems like leaks caused by inadequate or loose connections, broken pipes, open pipes, incorrect vent installations, traps underneath sinks, and broken fittings.

These relatively minor issues often go unnoticed until you experience a severe problem with your plumbing.

During the smoke test, you may notice smoke coming from the grass, cracked slabs, utility boxes, and other locations. If your sewer system is in good working order, the smoke should appear around your home’s vents. This is a normal part of the process and no cause for alarm.

If smoke appears somewhere it shouldn’t, it usually tells us where the problem lies. If not, we can apply a black light to your plumbing system to catch even the smallest leaks. After completing the test, we will prepare a report and provide repair and replacement recommendations.

Note that smoke tests are just one tool available to uncover the problems in your sewer system. Your plumber can take additional steps to find issues and confirm their suspicions, including sewer camera inspections.

If you notice any signs of a plumbing problem, act quickly. Smoke testing is a highly effective way of testing for leaks and other plumbing issues.

Don’t hesitate to call our friendly, professional plumbing team to ensure that minor problems don’t progress and cause your entire plumbing system to fail prematurely. If you’re worried about your plumbing system, contact Swan today for the most reliable, efficient smoke testing service in town.