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Sewer Smoke Testing for Plumbing Odors, Drain Leaks & Sewer Gas Issues
Non-invasive sewer smoke testing helps identify the source of sewer gas odors by tracing openings, defects, or failed seals in the sanitary drainage and venting system. Sewer gas may contain hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and other odor-producing compounds. While carbon monoxide is not typically a primary component of ordinary sewer gas intrusion, any confirmed sewer gas pathway should be corrected to help protect indoor air quality, reduce odors, and address potential health or flammability concerns.
Sewer gas can be hazardous — don’t ignore the smell.
The smell of sewage inside your home may indicate sewer gas entering from a defect in the plumbing drainage or venting system. Sewer gas may contain hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and other odor-producing compounds. While carbon monoxide is not typically considered a primary component of ordinary sewer gas intrusion, sewer gas can still create odor, indoor air quality, health, and flammability concerns depending on concentration and exposure conditions. Smoke testing is a safe, cost-effective way to help identify where sewer gas or odor pathways may be entering the building. Our non-toxic smoke testing process can reveal failed cleanout seals, open vents, cracked drain piping, dry traps, improper connections, and other defects in the sanitary drainage and venting system, helping protect your family, pets, and property. For additional technical background on sewer gas and vapor intrusion considerations, see: “Sewer Gas: An Indoor Air Source of PCE to Consider During Vapor Intrusion Investigations” from the National Library of Medicine. Sewer Gas: An Indoor Air Source of PCE to Consider During Vapor Intrusion Investigations - PMC
What is Sewer Smoke Testing?
A precise, non-invasive technique to identify sewer gas leaks and cracks in your home’s drain lines — without any digging or damage. It is essential for preventing costly repairs and safeguarding against health hazards caused by sewer gas. Homeowners often underestimate the importance of maintaining their sewer systems, leading to severe consequences.
01
Smoke Introduction
Non-toxic, harmless smoke is blown into your sewer lines and interior drain system under controlled pressure. This smoke is designed to mimic the properties of sewer gases, allowing our technicians to accurately detect leaks. The process is swift and efficient, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine.
02
Observation
Trained technicians monitor for any smoke escaping from pipes, fixtures, walls, or crawlspaces inside your home. This real-time observation allows for immediate identification of problem areas. Our trained professionals utilize advanced technology to ensure that no leaks go unnoticed during the testing process.
03
Leak Identification
Visible smoke pinpoints the exact location of cracks, improper seals, or broken pipe joints allowing sewer gas to enter. Identifying these issues early can save homeowners significant repair costs and prevent the escalation of what could be a hazardous situation. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every potential leak is addressed promptly.
04
Detailed Reporting
We are able to provide a comprehensive report with photos, leak locations, and recommended repairs when needed — clear and actionable. Each report is tailored to the specific needs of your property, ensuring that you understand the issues at hand and the recommended next steps.
Average Cost for Commercial Sewer Smoke Testing
$800 – $2000
Commercial plumbing smoke testing pricing depends on building size, system accessibility, number of restrooms or drain fixtures, cleanout access, roof vent access, occupancy conditions, scheduling requirements, and the complexity of the drainage and vent system. Because commercial buildings vary significantly, pricing is based on the specific site conditions and the scope of testing needed.
Our commercial plumbing smoke testing services are quoted clearly before work begins. The scope may include smoke testing of the sanitary drainage and vent system, evaluation of visible smoke entry points, documentation of observed defects, and recommendations for correction by a qualified plumbing contractor. We do not use hidden fees or vague service charges. Our goal is to provide a clear, transparent scope so you understand exactly what is included in the inspection and testing process.
Why choose us for sewer smoke testing?
Choose us for plumbing smoke testing when you need clear answers, safe testing methods, and professional documentation. We serve Colorado Springs, the Denver metro area, and communities throughout Colorado with a diagnostic approach focused on identifying the source of sewer gas odors, drain system defects, failed seals, open vents, and other plumbing-related odor pathways.
Our testing process uses non-toxic smoke/vapor introduced into the sanitary drainage and vent system to help reveal where gases or odors may be entering the building. We document visible smoke entry points, explain the likely cause, and provide clear recommendations for correction by a qualified plumbing contractor. Our goal is to provide honest, transparent results without unnecessary upsells or vague findings.
Proven Expertise
Experienced technicians specialized in the latest leak detection methods — accurate & dependable.
Non-Invasive & Clean
No excavation, no damage to landscaping or flooring. Smoke testing is quick and residue-free.
Comprehensive Reports
You'll receive a detailed report with findings, photos, and repair recommendations — full transparency.
Safety First
We use 100% non-toxic, odorless smoke that’s safe for children, pets, and the environment.
Enhanced with tracer gas technology: While smoke testing is effective for identifying visible openings in the sanitary drainage and vent system, we can also introduce low levels of tracer gas to assist with pinpointing hidden or difficult-to-confirm odor pathways. To our knowledge, we are one of the only local providers using this enhanced indoor method for plumbing smoke testing. Our specialized indoor gas detection equipment allows us to perform this process safely and accurately where smoke alone may not provide enough detail.
Don't let sewer odors disrupt your home
Sewer odors inside a home can be difficult to track down because the source is not always visible. Odors may come from a failed cleanout cap, dry trap, cracked drain line, open vent connection, damaged toilet seal, improperly terminated vent, or another defect in the sanitary drainage and vent system.
Our residential plumbing smoke testing service uses a controlled, non-toxic smoke/vapor introduced into the drainage and vent system to help identify where sewer gas or odor pathways may be entering the home. If smoke appears in a bathroom, wall cavity, crawlspace, attic, mechanical room, or other unintended area, it helps confirm a communication point that should be corrected.
Sewer gas may contain hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and other odor-producing compounds. While carbon monoxide is not typically a primary component of ordinary sewer gas intrusion, sewer gas pathways should still be corrected to help reduce odors, improve indoor air quality, and address potential health or flammability concerns.
We provide clear findings, photos or documentation when applicable, and practical recommendations for correction by a qualified plumbing contractor. Our role is to identify the source of the odor pathway, not sell unnecessary plumbing repairs.
Subsurface Leak Detection provides residential plumbing smoke testing in Colorado Springs, Denver, and communities throughout the Front Range.
