Smoke Testing
Non-toxic theatrical smoke is introduced into the drainage or vent system. Smoke exiting through leaks, cracks, or faulty connections reveals their location.
How Smoke Testing Works
Smoke testing is an effective method for locating leaks in drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, as well as for identifying sources of sewer gas odours. Non-toxic, odourless theatrical smoke is introduced into the system using a smoke machine connected to a roof vent, clean-out, or other access point. A specialized blower forces the smoke through the system at low pressure. Wherever there is a leak, crack, or faulty connection, smoke will escape and become visible. This method is particularly effective for finding vent system leaks, identifying illegal connections that allow sewer gas entry, and verifying the integrity of DWV systems in new construction.
Applications in BC
- Sewer gas odour investigation in BC homes
- DWV system leak detection in new construction
- Identifying illegal plumbing connections
- Vent system integrity verification
- Roof drain and storm water system testing
Advantages
- Immediate visual confirmation of leak locations
- Non-toxic and safe for occupied buildings
- Tests entire system simultaneously
- Effective for hard-to-access concealed piping
- Documented with video evidence
Limitations
- Smoke may trigger fire detection systems
- Weather-dependent for outdoor testing
- Limited effectiveness in windy conditions
- Requires system access for smoke injection
Equipment Used
- • Hurco B-2 smoke machine
- • Superior Smoke 4000 system
- • Safesmoke SS-2 smoke generator
- • AccuSmoke DWV tester
- • Hurco aerosol smoke injector
Professional Smoke Testing in BC
LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca. Call 604-239-9934.