10/14/2026
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๐จ NOTICE OF WASTEWATER SMOKE TESTING ๐จ
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The City of Lindsay will have crews out and about on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, assisting with wastewater manhole smoke testing.
Crews will begin in the southeast corner of town and work across town in various areas.
If you see smoke during this testing, please contact Lindsay City Hall at 405-756-2019.
Please read below for additional information about this testing and what residents need to know.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us spread the word!
City of Lindsay, Oklahoma
Smoke testing is a diagnostic method used to locate leaks, structural defects, and illegal storm-water connections in sanitary sewer and wastewater collection systems.
How the Process Works
โข Injection: High-capacity blowers place non-toxic, specially formulated smoke into a section of the underground sewer main from a manhole or cleanout.
โข Travel: The pressurized smoke travels through the main sewer lines and up into connected service laterals and plumbing.
โข Normal Venting: In properly functioning systems, the smoke harmlessly exits out through rooftop plumbing vent pipes.
โข Defect Detection: If smoke emerges from the ground, yards, driveways, cleanouts, or street gutters, it pinpoints a crack, broken pipe, damaged manhole, or illegal connection (such as roof downspouts or sump pumps tied to the sanitary sewer).
Purpose & Benefits
โข Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Control: Prevents heavy rain and groundwater from flooding the wastewater system, which reduces the risk of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and lowers treatment costs.
โข Mapping and Documentation: Field crews walk the neighborhood during the test to photograph, log GPS coordinates, and mark defect locations for repair.
What Homeowners Should Know
โข Safety: The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue, and is completely harmless to people, pets, plants, and building materials. It can occasionally trigger sensitive smoke alarms.
โข Trap Preparation: Pour water into infrequently used sinks, floor drains, and toilets the night before to fill P-traps and block smoke from entering the living space.
โข If Smoke Enters a Home: This indicates dry drain traps or a plumbing defect that could also allow dangerous sewer gases inside. Notify the testing crew.
If you have more questions Contact City Hall 405-756-2019.