A smoke test of a plumbing drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system is a diagnostic procedure in which non-toxic, artificially generated smoke is forced into the plumbing system to find leaks, defects, or improper connections.

How it works:

    1    A smoke-generating machine is connected to the DWV system.

    2    Smoke is blown into the pipes under low pressure.

    3    The inspector looks for smoke escaping from places it shouldn't such as:

    ◦   The base of the toilet

    ◦   Pipe wall penetrations under sinks

    ◦   Wall outlet and switch covers

   ◦   Attics, crawl spaces, or living areas

What it can reveal:

    •     Cracked drain pipes

•   Loose or defective fittings

• Improper connections

• Broken vent pipes

• Defective toilet wax rings

    •    Illegal plumbing connections

    •    Dry or defective traps

• Abandoned pipes after a remodel

Common uses:

    •    Sewer odor complaints

• Locating sources of sewer gas odors

• Locating broken pipes that rodents and insects can use to gain entry inside walls and attic

    •    Verifying the integrity of newly installed DWV systems

    •    Real estate inspections

• Residential and commercial plumbing inspections