If all sewer connections are working properly and there are no open faults in the home, all smoke should run through the sewer lines and out of the building’s roof vents. This is normal.
The unusual event of smoke entering the home means there is an open fault, where sewer gas has been entering the home for months or years. This sewer gas is poisonous and highly dangerous to residents, while the smoke is harmless and leaves no residue—it serves only to identify open faults in the house’s plumbing. Once inside the house, the smoke will dissipate in approximately 20 – 30 minutes. If you notice smoke entering your home, you should open doors and windows and leave the house until the smoke dissipates in order to reduce exposure. It is important to immediately notify a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area so the fault can be identified and addressed. You should then call a licensed plumber and repair the fault as soon as possible.
Smoke in your house could be indicating that:
- The vents connected to your home’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
- The traps and seals under sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and all other drains are dry, defective, or improperly installed.
- The pipes, connections, or seals in the wastewater drainage system or under your home are damaged, defective, are missing plugs, or are improperly installed.