HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The City of Harrisonburg’s Public Utilities Department is getting ready to conduct its annual testing of the sanitary sewer system.

The effort begins Monday, September 9 which will involve the release of a non-toxic and non-staining test smoke into area manholes, which will travel through the sanitary sewer system. The purpose of this testing is to detect any breaks or leaks in the City’s system and make appropriate repairs if necessary.

Testing will run through November and during this time, residents may notice smoke rising from manhole covers, yards where systems run, or even from their bathtubs, toilets, or sinks.

This year’s testing will take place in the following areas:

3rd Street
4th Street
5th Street
Ashby Avenue
Broad Street
Chloe Lane
Commerce Drive
Commercial Court
Edom Road
Effinger Street
Elon Rhodes Lane
Gay Street (East)
Harris Street
Hearthstone Lane
Jackson Street
Jefferson Street
Johnson Street (East & West)
Kates Lane
Kelley Lane
Kelley Street
Kratzer Avenue
Leslie Court
Liberty Street (North)
Lincoln Circle
Longview Drive
Madison Street
Main Street (North)
Mason Street (North)
Massanutten Street
Monroe Street
Moore Street
Myrtle Street
Noll Drive
Northfield Court
Northglen Lane
Oak View Court
Old Furnace Road
Simms Avenue
Sophie Drive
Sterling Street
Stonefield Court
Sumter Court
Tower Street
Vine Street
Virginia Avenue
Washington Street (East & West)

These businesses and organizations also will see smoke testing in their area:
• George’s Foods, 501 N. Liberty St.
• Harrisonburg Public Transportation, 475 E. Washington St.
• Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, 286 Kelley St.
• Lucy Simms Continuing Education Center, 620 Simms Ave.
• Pleasant View, 151 Commerce Drive
• Rockingham County Government Center, 20 E. Gay St.
• Shenandoah Valley Organics, 862 N. Liberty St.

The city has a total of 190 miles of sewer lines and a section of those lines are tested each year. Some smoke will be seen being released from rooftop plumbing vents, which is an indication of a properly installed plumbing system.
Tips for residents:
• Pour one gallon of water into the drain traps of floors, sinks, showers, and tubs, which will prevent sewer gases or
smoke from entering a home or business.
• If the non-toxic smoke enters a residence or business, this is a sign of a defect in the plumbing. When this occurs,
there is no need to contact emergency services. Open a window or door for ventilation, note the location of the
smoke and contact a qualified plumber.
• Anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should not stay in a building where smoke has entered as a
precautionary measure.
Anyone with questions may contact Harrisonburg Public Utilities at 540-434-9959.