Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing

Copperas Cove, Texas – The City of Copperas Cove is conducting a physical survey of the
City’s sanitary sewer system. The study is being performed by the engineering firm RJN
Group, Inc. of Austin, Texas, and includes smoke testing of the sanitary sewers.

Smoke testing is a simple means of locating obstructions and defects in the sewer system.
The study will involve the opening of manholes in the streets and easements. During the
testing, smoke will exit through vent pipes on the roofs of homes and through sewer line
breaks. The smoke is non-toxic, low odor, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue,
dissipates quickly, and is harmless. Smoke should not enter buildings unless there is
defective plumbing or dried-up drain traps. Please pour 1 gallon of water down all floor drains
and any rarely used sinks, tubs, toilets, or drains to ensure that a water barrier is maintained
in the drain traps. The drain trap water barrier prevents sewer gases or odors from entering
the building.

Smoke testing is scheduled to begin today, July 24th, and is anticipated to be completed in
various areas of the City through September 2023, weather permitting. Additional
notifications will be provided to residents by door hangers prior to the start of smoke testing
in those areas. Signs will also be posted to identify where crews are testing.

Your cooperation with the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing program is greatly
appreciated. Additional information on smoke testing can be found on the RJN Group website.

For all other questions, concerns, please call RJN Group at (972) 437-4300. RJN Group staff will be happy to speak with you if you have any further questions about the smoke testing process.