Tinley Park, IL – Residents of Tinley Park are being notified that smoke testing of the village’s sanitary sewer system will begin next week, as part of the community’s annual infrastructure maintenance program. The project, managed by the Village of Tinley Park Public Works Department, aims to inspect manholes and test the sewer pipes between them to identify potential leaks and other issues.
According to a notice posted by the Village of Tinley Park Public Safety, the testing process involves blowing non-toxic, odorless smoke into the sanitary sewer system and observing where the smoke emerges. This helps crews locate points of inflow, infiltration, or cross-connections that could lead to problems during heavy rains or storms. The smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, foundations, manhole covers, or yard cleanouts, which is a normal part of the process and indicates that the sewer lines are filled.
The testing is expected to last several days, with each individual setup taking 15 to 30 minutes. Residents do not need to be home for the testing unless smoke is observed inside the home, in which case crews may seek homeowner assistance to identify defects. The Village advises residents to pour water into all drains before testing to ensure traps are filled, which helps prevent smoke from entering the home.
Village officials stress that the smoke used in the tests is not harmful to humans or pets, does not stain, and will dissipate within minutes. However, residents with respiratory issues are encouraged to contact Public Works at (708) 444-5500 for additional guidance. Smoke alarms may be triggered during testing, so opening windows and doors for ventilation is recommended.
If residents see smoke in their home and are unsure of its origin, they are urged to call 9-1-1 as a precaution.
For more details and to view the smoke testing area map, visit the Village of Tinley Park’s website or contact Public Works directly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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