A procedure involving the introduction of non-toxic artificial smoke into a sanitary sewer system to identify sources of inflow and infiltration is often employed. This process reveals locations where unwanted water may be entering the system. For example, smoke exiting from a cracked pipe indicates a point of infiltration that needs repair.
The identification of these entry points offers several benefits, including reducing the load on wastewater treatment plants, preventing sewer overflows, and mitigating the risk of environmental contamination. This methodology has been utilized for decades as a cost-effective way to maintain and improve the efficiency of sewer infrastructure.
