Sewer Condition Assessment

E2 has a field proven smoke testing program for assessment of sewer lines. Prior to beginning smoke testing, E2 will notify Police and Fire Departments, as well as building occupants in the vicinity of the smoke tests through telephone calls, written notifications and local news outlets. Public awareness is critical for positive project completion.

For each smoke test location, E2 will use a Smoke Testing Setup Form and associated Smoke Testing Defect Forms as defects are encountered. When defects within the pipe reach are found, they are flagged, digitally photographed and documented with a sketch on a Smoked Testing Defect Form. The defect form includes location, address or house number, data, and a schematic layout of the manhole and sewer line under testing. Measurements from at least two permanent reference points to the smoke emission point will also be included on the form.

The photos and field forms can then be linked to a GIS database. Defect reports can be generated with the defect picture and stats, which can then be tri-folded and mailed to the associated address.

Dye tracing is sometimes used at the completion of smoke testing to confirm catch basin connection by plugging the storm pipe with dyed water and verifying how storm water gets into the sanitary system. CCTV cameras are sometime used in conjunction with the dye tracing.

Flow Monitor Installation in Burlingame, CAE2’s field staff is NASSCO certified (National Association of Sewer Service Companies) and can use the NASSCO forms, codes, and scoring method; E2’s own one-page form; or other client specified forms and codes to complete the inspection. Photographs of location, inverts, pipes and all defects can be taken and documented as part of the project record and the location recorded using E2’s GPS equipment with sub-foot accuracy. All data collected can be loaded into a Microsoft Access database for easy retrieval and summaries.