WELLSVILLE — The Village of Wellsville will be conducting smoke testing on the village’s sanitary sewer system from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 14.

According to council member Cindy Mick, Property/Sewage Committee chairperson, the testing will involve the opening and entering of every other manhole in streets and public utility easements to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system and the locations where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system.

A special, non-toxic smoke manufactured for this purpose which leaves no residuals or stains and does not affect plants or animals will be used to conduct the tests. The smoke has a distinct but not unpleasant odor, a release provided by Mick said.

The odor and visibility will only last a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation. Due to plumbing appliances in residences or buildings being connected to the sanitary sewer system some smoke may enter houses or businesses if the vents connected to the building’s sewer pipes are inadequate or defective; traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, missing or improperly installed or pipe connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under the building are damaged, defective or have plugs that are missing or are improperly installed.

Residents and business owners are being advised that if traces of smoke or the odor of the smoke from the testing enter their building, that is an indication that odors and gases from the sewers which can be unpleasant, dangerous and a health hazard could enter the building. Residents are strongly advised to locate, identify and correct the source of smoke that enters the house.

“While the Village of Wellsville will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer lines on private property is the responsibility of the owner. The service of a professional plumber is advised,” Mick said in her release.

Representatives will be taking photographs of any leaks they find in the system. This may require a photographer to enter the yard of a resident or business where a leak is located, but they would at no time need to enter a home.

Cooperation for allowing the photographer to take photos is appreciated.

The release provided by Mick noted that the information gained from the smoke testing will be used to improve sewer services and may eventually reduce cost to utility customers.

Mick noted that the testing which normally costs approximately $20,000 is being done free of charge, with the village just paying the $500 for the cost of the smoke.