The City of Harrisonburg’s public utilities department will conduct its annual testing of the sanitary sewer system starting on Monday, Sept. 9, and running through November.
The city has a total of 190 miles of sewer lines and a section of those lines are tested each year.
The effort involves release of a non-toxic and non- staining test smoke into area manholes. The purpose of this testing is to detect any breaks or leaks in the system and make appropriate repairs, if necessary.
During this time, residents may notice smoke rising from manhole covers, yards where systems run, or even from their bathtubs, toilets or sinks. Some smoke will be seen being released from rooftop plumbing vents which is an indication of a properly installed plumbing system, according to the city.
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)
- Johnson Street (West)
- Kates Lane
- Kelley Lane
- 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
- Viewmont Court
- Vine Street
- Virginia Avenue
- Washington Street (East)
- Washington Street (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.
Tips for residents:
- Pour one gallon of water into the drain traps of floors, sinks, showers, and tubs, which may 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.
Questions regarding the testing may be directed to Harrisonburg Public Utilities at (540) 434-9959.
For more information, visit www.HarrisonburgVA.gov.
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Crystal Graham
