Tips to prevent smoke from entering your home (complete prior to test)

  • Run water faucets for a few seconds in unused sinks, tubs, and drains to fill fixture traps.
  • Pour water into each basement floor drain (at least 1 gallon).
  • If you have defective plumbing (i.e. no trap) you should consult with a licensed plumber.

If you notice smoke in your home

  • Do not become alarmed.
  • Open doors and windows to ventilate the premise to clear smoke.
  • Please notify our work crews by calling the Smoke Testing Crew Chief at 651-238-0572.
  • Simulated smoke will not stain walls or furniture; nor will it leave a residue.
  • Consult a licensed plumber in the near future to identify the smoke access area, as the potential exists for sewer gases to enter you home in the same manner.

Safety/Health Issues

  • Important! If there is an individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems and is immobile please notify Girma Daka at 651-266-6189 or by calling the Sewer Utility Permit Desk at 266-6234 prior to testing.
  • There is no danger of fire or explosion of sewer gas with the smoke testing process.
  • St. Paul Police and Fire Departments will be notified of the smoke testing.
  • Avoid unnecessary exposure to the simulated smoke.
  • The smoke is relatively harmless but may irritate air passages.
  • Smoke irritation is temporary and should disappear after exposure has ceased.
  • A copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available for you review in the link below.

Last Edited: January 9, 2020