The City of Ennis will be performing a "Smoke Test" survey to assist inspection crews in locating breaks and defects in our sanitary sewer system on Thursday, April 10th. The information received from this testing helps us to improve sewer services. This work is part of the sewer study that the City Commission approved back in December 2024.

 Click here to view the December 2024 resolution. 

 Click here to view the letter distributed to residents and business owners within the test area.

Smoke Testing Location Map: Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. will be smoke testing sanitary sewer lines to detect leaks in the yellow-shaded area in the image below.

FAQ:

What is a smoke test?
Smoke testing is the process of forcing smoke filled air into the sewer system. A liquid smoke product is used during the process. At any break or defect in the sanitary sewer system, the smoke will rise from the ground, alerting inspection crews of an issue at that location.

What happens before, during, and after the smoke test?
Inspection crews will be going door-to-door, notifying residents and business owners of the process and handing out contact information prior to the testing.
It is advisable for the home or business owner to pour a gallon of water into each floor drain prior to the testing.This should prevent smoke from entering your home or business.

• If smoke does find its way into your home or business through your inside plumbing, you should call a licensed plumber as you may have a leak in your plumbing that requires attention.
• While the testing is taking place, City of Ennis crew members will identify breaks and defects in the sewer system where smoke escapes through them.
• When the testing is complete, residents and business owners will be notified if any problems have been identified that need to be addressed.

Do I need to do anything before, during, or after the smoke test?
It is advisable for the home or business owner to pour a gallon of water into each floor drain prior to the testing. This should prevent smoke from entering your home or business. If smoke does find its way into your home or business through your inside plumbing, you should call a licensed plumber as you may have a leak in your plumbing that requires attention. Smoke from the testing should not enter your home or business unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps.

Is the smoke poisonous?
The smoke used during the testing that you see coming from the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor, is white in color, and creates no fire hazard.

Is the smoke harmful?
The smoke is non-toxic, however, if smoke enters your home or business, it is an indication that harmful sewer gases are also entering through a plumbing defect. It is recommended that any elderly or disabled person is not left unattended during this testing process. Pets should also be monitored during the testing.

Will the testing interrupt my sewer service?
Sewer service will not be interrupted during the testing.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions or concerns?
For more information regarding this process or any questions, please contact 972-875-1906.