Sanitary sewer smoke testing

During smoke testing, field technicians blow harmless smoke into the sewer pipes.

They watch to see where the smoke exits, such as through sanitary roof vents, downspouts, catch basins, or drains. The smoke has no smell, is not dangerous, and disappears in a few minutes.

Peel Region performs smoke testing to find areas where rain, melted snow, or groundwater might be getting into the sanitary sewer system. This can include connected downspouts.

Sanitary sewer pipes are only meant to carry wastewater. Any extra water can cause problems, especially during big rainstorms. Too much extra water can also increase the chance of basement flooding.

Smoke testing helps Peel quickly and safely find pipes or connections that are not working the way they should.

If a property’s downspout is draining into the sanitary sewer, the homeowner will be asked to take part in Peel’s Downspout Disconnection Program. This program disconnects downspouts, so rainwater doesn’t go into the sanitary pipes. This work helps protect the wastewater system and keeps our community’s infrastructure in good shape.

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Smoke Testing in Peel Region Map

1. Open the interactive map to check where smoke testing is happening near you.
2. Enter your address in the search bar to check if your home is in a test area and find out when the work will take place.
3. If your address is in a highlighted area, tap it to access more details about the work.

The testing dates show when we plan to do the work. While we’ll try to finish the surveys during the listed dates, the schedule might change by 1or 2 days. Changes can happen because of weather, work needs, or crew availability.

Smoke testing in your neighbourhood

You do not need to be at home during smoke testing, as all work is completed outside. Simple preparation instructions are provided on this webpage.

Smoke testing is safe

The smoke we use for testing:

• Is odourless
• Is a white, theatrical-style smoke
• Isn’t harmful to your health.
• Will not harm pets, clothing, draperies, or furniture.
• Will disappear within minutes.

Schedule and timing

• If smoke testing is scheduled in your neighbourhood, you’ll get a notice in the mail.
• Crews may work in your area for up to 6 weeks. Each house will only be tested once and usually takes about 30 minutes. Use the interactive map to check daily updates on where smoke testing is happening.
• If there are any personal circumstances you would like Peel Region to consider during smoke testing, please contact us at 905-791-7800 ext. 4409.

Smoke testing and your home

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Preparing for the test

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When you receive a notice that work is scheduled, pour 3–4 cups of water into every drain in your home.

Be sure to include:

• Kitchen and bathroom sinks.
• Basement sinks and showers.
• Floor drains near your laundry area or furnace.

Adding water keeps the plumbing traps (P-traps) full. This helps prevent smoke from entering your home.

You only need to do this once. There is no need to keep adding water, as plumbing traps can hold water for several weeks.

Common types of drains to prepare for smoke testing

Possible smoke in your home during testing

Smoke may enter your home if water was not added to all drains before testing, or if there is a plumbing problem.

Smoke testing usually lasts 30 minutes.

If smoke enters your home:

1. Find the drain where the smoke is coming from.
2. Pour water into that drain.

If the smoke does not stop

If smoke continues after adding water, you may have a broken P-trap.

Please contact Peel Region at 905 791 7800, ext. 4409. An on site technician will be notified and may visit your address.

After testing is complete, we recommend contacting a licensed plumber to repair any broken P-traps. This helps prevent sewer gas from entering your home in the future.

Smoke effects

If the smoke causes temporary discomfort:

• Leave the affected area.
• Open windows and doors to clear the smoke.

The irritation should go away quickly.

Fire department notification

The fire department will be informed of the streets being tested.

If you are unsure where the smoke is coming from, call the non emergency line at 905-456-5788.

For emergencies, always contact 911, and they can determine if the smoke is related to the testing or if the fire department should be dispatched.

Property access is not needed

Smoke testing is done from the street, so you do not need to be home, and no property access is required.

Smoke testing is completed by Peel Region and its contractor, Infrastructure Intelligence Services Inc (I2S).

Peel employees and its contractors:

• Do not need to enter your house.
• Will not ask to enter your house.
• Will be wearing company-branded high-visibility clothing.
• Will have identification badges provided by Peel Region.
• Will provide identification and a business card for follow-up, if asked.

During testing, technicians may briefly look at roof vents or downspouts outside your home. This observation is done from the municipal right‑of‑way only.

The municipal right‑of‑way includes:

• The street.
• The municipally owned land between the street and the water service box, a small, round, metal valve located outside on the property line between your home or business and the road.

Contact us

For more information or to report smoke in your home during testing, call 905-791-7800, ext. 4409.