Lawrence to start smoke testing sewer pipes on Monday

In this file photo from Sept. 3, 2013, Kyle Forsythe, left, and Robby Hartpence, both field technicians for TREKK Design Group LLC, Kansas City, Mo., participate in a city sewer system test demonstration using smoke. The test involved filling the sewer system, which may cause smoke to come out of manhole covers or even the roof vents of peoples' homes. That may cause people to mistakenly think their house is on fire.

Starting Monday, crews will be testing Lawrence sewer pipes for leaks in neighborhoods between Iowa and Louisiana streets.

The testing will happen over a period of about 30 days. It includes crews blowing nontoxic, odorless smoke into sewer pipes to document where smoke escapes the system. It helps the city’s utilities department find and repair breaks and defects.

Testing will go on from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each weekday. The city will notify residents in the testing areas before it starts.

Smoke testing will take place in the Oread, Old West Lawrence, Hillcrest and Pinckney neighborhoods.

The city is warning that smoke could enter homes through defective plumbing or drain traps. If it does, residents are asked to ventilate the room and contact the crews doing the testing. To prevent smoke from coming in, the city suggests pouring water and a bit of vegetable oil into seldom-used drains.

Residents with questions or concerns about the testing are asked to call Nick Hoyt with the city utilities department at (785) 832-7800.