City of Melrose to Conduct Smoke Testing

In order to improve sewer service, on behalf of the City of Melrose, Weston & Sampson will be conducting smoke testing on portions of the sanitary sewer system throughout the City from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the months of October and November 2019.

These inspections are being conducted as part of Melrose’s 2019 Sewer Investigation Program. The purpose of smoke testing is to locate sources of rainwater entering the sanitary sewer. By removing this extra flow, Melrose will reduce the amount of unnecessary wastewater it sends to the MWRA. This extra flow is called inflow. The reduction of inflow is an importantcomponent of the City’s present Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) reduction program.

During the test, white smoke is introduced to the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During this procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers and from plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface. THIS IS NORMAL AND SHOULD NOT CAUSE ALARM.

Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is either a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect. You may wish to pour two gallons of water down any basement floor drain or unused plumbing fixture to ensure that the drain trap will be effective.

Should smoke be detected within your building, do not be alarmed. The smoke is NON-TOXIC, NON-STAINING, and dissipates quickly through open windows. IF YOU HAVE A LUNG AILMENT or RESPIRATORY CONDITION SUCH AS ASTHMA OR EMPHYSEMA, STAY AWAY FROM THE SMOKE. Any smoke within a building should be immediately reported to the persons conducting the tests.

Weston & Sampson company vehicles are black and/or gray with the company name on the sides, and their personnel will be wearing shirts with the Weston & Sampson markings. All Weston & Sampson staff will carry a current identification card.

Any questions should be directed to Weston & Sampson at (781) 462-6172. Leave a message including your name, address, and telephone number and your call will be promptly returned.