HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The City of Harrisonburg’s Public Utilities Department will soon begin conducting its annual testing of the sanitary sewer system in a portion of the city.

According to Harrisonburg Director of Communications & Public Engagement Michael Parks, the effort involves 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 so appropriate repairs can be made if necessary.

This year’s testing will focus on an area to the north and northeast of the community where defects were reportedly identified in past testing that contribute to unwanted water reaching the sewer system. This issue, called inflow and infiltration (or I&I), can lead to sewer pipes becoming overloaded – which can cause significant problems such as flooding, sewer backups into homes and increased sewer treatment costs. Harrisonburg Public Utilities is currently working to identify specific properties with sewer line defects in this area in order to help correct those issues on private properties and reduce inflow and infiltration into the system.

Testing begins in October and will run through November. Community members may notice smoke rising from manhole covers, yards where systems run, or even from their bathtubs, toilets or sinks. If community members are home at the time and notice smoke in their yard, they are encouraged to notify Harrisonburg Public Utilities crews who will be working in the area, but that is not required as crews will be on the lookout for smoke in the area. Some smoke will be seen being released from rooftop plumbing vents, which is an indication of a properly installed plumbing system.

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

3rd Street Johnson Street (West) Noll Drive

4th Street Kates Lane Northfield Court

5th Street Kelley Lane Northglen Lane

Ashby Avenue Kelley Street Oak View Court

Broad Street Kratzer Avenue Old Furnace Road

Chloe Lane Leslie Court Simms Avenue

Commerce Drive Liberty Street (North) Sophie Drive

Commercial Court Lincoln Circle Sterling Street

Edom Road Longview Drive Stonefield Court

Effinger Street Madison Street Sumter Court

Elon Rhodes Lane Main Street (North) Tower Street

Gay Street (East) Mason Street (North) Viewmont Court

Harris Street Massanutten Street Vine Street

Hearthstone Lane Monroe Street Virginia Avenue

Jackson Street Moore Street Washington Street (East)

Jefferson Street Myrtle Street Washington Street (West)

Johnson Street (East)

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.

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.

The city has a total of 190 miles of sewer lines, and a section of those lines are tested each year. Anyone with questions may contact Harrisonburg Public Utilities at 540-434-9959.