The Town of Apex Public Works and Utilities Department will be conducting leak tests in the sanitary sewer system by injecting smoke into these pipes. These tests will be conducted on during the week of November 16-20, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, weather permitting. This process will reveal sources of damaged & broken pipe in your neighborhood, if any are present, as well as places where storm and other surface waters are entering the sanitary sewer system.
A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. This smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effects on plant and animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some of this smoke may enter your house if:
• Vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective or improperly installed.
• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing.
• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or are improperly installed.
All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that traces and odors from the sewer also may enter. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous as well as a health hazard to the occupants. Location, identification, and correction of the source of the smoke that enters your house is urgently advised.
While the Town of Apex Public Works and Utilities Department will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the owner. The services of a professional plumber are advised.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact:
Tim Fontaine
Public Works Operations Supervisor
919-291-3681 (Mobile)
919-249-3532 (Office)
tim.fontaine@apexnc.org