Smoke Testing, also known as Vapour Testing

Smoke or Vapour testing is an essential process for identifying and reducing inflow and infiltration in sanitary sewer systems. This method provides a highly visible way to locate cross connections between stormwater and sanitary sewer systems, allowing for efficient and effective remediation.

Although smoke testing is a straightforward concept, it requires meticulous planning and the expertise of experienced professionals to execute successfully.

How Smoke Testing Works

Smoke testing involves the generation of safe, non-toxic smoke, which is then blown into the sanitary sewer system under very low pressure. The smoke travels through the sewer system and reveals any intended connections between the stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. As the smoke moves, it exits through any leaks or illegal connections, making them visible above ground. This process is highly effective because the smoke follows the path of least resistance, similar to how water would travel through the sewer system. By visually confirming the presence of smoke in stormwater systems, such as roof leaders and perimeter drains, the test indicates where rainwater might be entering the sanitary sewer system. This visualization helps in identifying problem areas that need to be addressed to prevent inflow and infiltration.

Benefits of Smoke Testing:

  • Quick and Clear Results: One of the primary benefits of smoke testing is its ability to provide immediate visual confirmation of issues within the sewer system. This allows for rapid identification and documentation of problem areas.

  • Cost-Effective:
    Smoke testing is a cost-effective method for municipalities and utility companies to identify and address issues in their sewer systems. By detecting and fixing inflow and infiltration sources, communities can avoid more costly repairs and system upgrades down the line.

  • Minimal Disruption:
    The process is non-invasive and causes minimal disruption to the community. Since the smoke is non-toxic and safe for people, pets, and plants, it poses no health risks, allowing the test to be conducted without significant concerns.

  • Preventative Maintenance:
    Regular smoke testing can serve as a preventative measure, helping to maintain the integrity of the sewer system and prevent severe issues from developing. This proactive approach can lead to long-term cost savings and improved system performance.

Why Choose Us?


With over 30 years of experience, we are more than just a service provider—we're your partner in maintaining and enhancing your underground infrastructure. We understand the unique challenges you face and offer customized solutions to meet your needs. At SFE Global, we are committed to helping you achieve excellence in water management. Let’s collaborate to ensure your underground infrastructure is reliable, efficient, and safe. Contact us today to learn more about our manhole inspection services and how they can benefit your operations.

SFE Global’s progressive pigging together with SmartFoam are a winning approach to assess 19-miles of sewer force mains.

An Arizona city needed to ensure their twinned 24-inch 9.5-mile sewer force mains could handle increased inflow. SFE Global used the progressive pigging approach together with SmartFoam™ technology for a high-resolution condition assessment, identifying and addressing critical issues to enhance pipeline safety, reliability, and cost-effective maintenance.

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Senior Water Resource Engineer, Associated Engineering
Larry Bodnaruk
"SFE has provided all our monitoring needs for the past 15 years. Their staff are experienced, knowledgeable, and responsive and a pleasure to work with, and I admire their attention to detail in a difficult and hostile environment. SFE has always delivered quality and value in our projects. What more can I say – quite simply the best in the business."
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Steve Banks
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Dave White
"SFE Global provided exceptional flow monitoring services, even under challenging site conditions. The professionalism, expertise, and response times of SFE Global’s team made the entire process seamless and efficient. Obtaining good quality data is paramount, and SFE Global has come through for us on multiple projects with high quality and accuracy. I would highly recommend their services for any flow monitoring needs."
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