Moline Fire conducting smoke testing

Moline residents may think they see smoke indoors over the next couple of weeks but it may also be the Moline Fire Department conducting smoke tests for defects in the sanitary sewer system, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

Smoke testing will be conducted in the areas shown on the map.

Sanitary sewer smoke testing starts in northwest Moline on Tuesday, September 8, weather permitting. The testing will cover about 59,000 feet of sanitary sewer and take about eight days. Crews will generally work between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

RJN Group crews will blow air and smoke into the sewer system through manholes. Crews then look for where the smoke appears, which can help identify cracks, damaged pipes or improper connections. Click here for more information.

Testing will begin near 23^rd Avenue and 3^rd Street and generally move north. Residents may see crews accessing sewer manholes in streets and yards. RJN crew members will wear uniforms and identification badges. Residents do not need to be home during the testing and crews will not enter homes or businesses. Door hangers and signs will give notice when testing is taking place nearby.

Testing helps identify defects and unwanted connections in the sanitary sewer system. The smoke the city uses non-toxic, low-odor, leaves no residue and does not pose a fire hazard.
Smoke may enter a home or business through defective plumbing or dried-out drain traps. Residents are asked to keep this in mind before calling 911 to report smoke but should call 911 if there is an actual fire or emergency.

Contact Joe Kindle, City of Moline Sewer Maintenance Manager, at 309-524-2300 with questions.

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