Identify In Flow & Infiltration – Smoke Testing And Dye Testing

Smoke testing uses non-toxic smoke to reveal hidden leaks or illegal connections in sewer lines, making it highly effective regardless of depth or surface type. When smoke escapes where it shouldn’t, it signals a breach in the system that needs repair. Dye testing often follows, helping pinpoint exact connection points using visible tracing methods and CCTV to plan accurate, cost-effective repairs.

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Smoke testing involves forcing non-toxic smoke-filled air through your sewer lines and observing any areas where the smoke comes out where it’s not supposed to. If openings exist for the smoke to follow, smoke tests are effective, regardless of surface type, soil type, or how deep your sewer line is.

Dye testing is a simple process where dye tablets or powder is mixed with water and flushed through cracks, sink holes or storm sewers. It is typically used in conjunction with CCTV equipment as a method to identify the point of connection after the initial smoke test. Identifying the point of connection is critical to creating a cost effective plan for repairing the issues found during smoke testing.

Sewer smoke testing

Why CIT Sewer Solutions Offers Smoke and Dye Testing

Smoke coming out of the ground may indicate a break or defect in your sewer line, which is allowing smoke to escape up through the ground. However, smoke doesn’t always originate at the spot the smoke emerges. Sometimes, the smoke will escape through a defect in the sewer line, then travel or migrate along the outside of the pipe until it finds a way to the surface. Either way, a smoke test will rule out whether or not your sewer line is cracked, leaking or has an illegal connection.

Benefits Of Smoke Testing and Dye Testing

Smoke testing and Dye testing are the most efficient and cost-effective ways to locate and identify leaks in your sewer system. They are used nationwide as a means for locating I/I, which can lead to millions of dollars in additional wastewater treatment.

Common sources of sewer inflow and infiltration include:

Roof downspouts

Sump pumps

Broken city
mainlines

Open clean-outs

Yard drains

Broken lateral
lines

Leaking maintenance holes

Cross connected
storm sewers

Abandoned sewer
lines

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NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXCAVATION FOR TARGETED MAINLINE ACCESS

sEWER vIDEO iNSPECTIONS

CIT Sewer Solutions provides precision hydro excavation services to safely expose underground utilities, sewer mains, and lateral connections without damaging surrounding infrastructure. Using high-pressure water and industrial vacuum systems, our crews remove soil and debris with surgical accuracy—ideal for sensitive commercial zones and congested municipal corridors. This non-destructive method reduces risk, speeds up access, and minimizes surface restoration costs. Whether supporting trenchless repairs or locating hidden assets, hydro excavation offers a clean, controlled alternative to traditional digging that’s safer, faster, and far more efficient.

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXCAVATION FOR TARGETED MAINLINE ACCESS

Hydro-Excavation

CIT Sewer Solutions provides precision hydro excavation services to safely expose underground utilities, sewer mains, and lateral connections without damaging surrounding infrastructure. Using high-pressure water and industrial vacuum systems, our crews remove soil and debris with surgical accuracy—ideal for sensitive commercial zones and congested municipal corridors. This non-destructive method reduces risk, speeds up access, and minimizes surface restoration costs. Whether supporting trenchless repairs or locating hidden assets, hydro excavation offers a clean, controlled alternative to traditional digging that’s safer, faster, and far more efficient.

A ZERO-EXCAVATION THAT REPAIRS MAINLINE BREAKAGE

tRENCHLESS sEWER REPAIR

CIT Sewer Solutions specializes in sectional point repairs for commercial sewer mainlines, using advanced trenchless methods to fix isolated pipe failures without full replacement. Our crews install cured-in-place liners to seal cracks, stop infiltration, and reinforce structural integrity—all without disrupting surface activity. This targeted approach saves time, reduces cost, and extends pipe life for municipalities and commercial properties alike.