Where there’s smoke, there’s sewer pipe testing going on, Naperville officials say

Wisp of smoke Photo credit Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — People living in some parts of Naperville might start seeing smoke coming from the ground this week, but city officials say there's no reason to worry.

Crews will begin “smoke testing” in several neighborhoods to find leaks in the sewer system.

During the testing people might notice smoke coming out of the ground in areas with defects in the sewer lines. City officials stress the smoke is non-toxic, does not pose a fire hazard, leaves no residue and dissipates quickly.

Still, they say people with any respiratory issues may want to take extra precautions, such as leaving the area for a few hours while testing is being done.

They also say smoke will not enter homes or buildings, unless there is defective plumbing or dried-up drain traps.

It is, however, normal for smoke to come out of a sewer vent stack on the roof of a building during testing.