News Summary
The City of Florence Utilities Department will begin smoke testing the sanitary sewer system starting February 24 in the Woodmont and Wilson Heights neighborhoods. This essential process aims to identify any unwanted water entering the sewer system, which can cause issues like overflow. Residents will be informed with yellow door hangers, and safety measures are highlighted to ensure a smooth testing period. Community members should prepare by ensuring plumbing traps are filled with water to prevent smoke from entering their homes.
Attention Florence Residents: Smoke Testing Set to Begin!
Hey there, folks of beautiful Florence! Get ready because there’s some important work happening in our neighborhoods. Starting on **Monday, February 24**, the City of Florence Utilities Department will dive into smoke testing of our sanitary sewer system. Now, you might be wondering what that means for you and your neighborhood. Well, let’s break it down!
What is Smoke Testing, and Why is it Necessary?
This smoke testing is not about starting a barbecue or having a campfire in your backyard; it’s a critical step to ensure our sewer system is running smoothly. The main goal here is to pinpoint any unwanted or unpermitted water that might be sneaking its way into the sewer system. Why is this a big deal? Well, this excessive volume can lead to nasty wastewater overflow problems and ramp up our treatment costs. Nobody wants that!
Where is the Testing Happening?
Those in the **Woodmont** and **Wilson Heights** neighborhoods should keep their eyes peeled during this testing week. City workers will be conducting tests on various roads and properties in these areas, and it’s expected to last throughout the week of February 24, with a chance of extending into the first week of March, especially if the weather behaves. Mother Nature, don’t let us down!
What Should Residents Expect?
Now, you may wonder how this smoke testing works. An easy-to-understand method is employed: they will introduce a harmless smoke into the sewer lines. If there are any issues such as cracks or holes, that smoke will make its grand exit, helping the team identify where repairs are needed. It’s like a detective drawing out suspects!
Safety First!
Safety is a priority here. So, before the action begins, homes in affected areas will receive **yellow door hangers**, letting residents know about the upcoming smoke testing. It’s also important to note that while the smoke may be visible, it’s actually **odorless, colorless, non-hazardous**, and **non-flammable**. A good deal, right?
How to Prepare Your Home
To keep your space comfy during this time, ensuring that your plumbing’s P-traps have enough water in them will help prevent the smoke from entering your home. We recommend you run the water in any sinks or tubs that haven’t been used for a while, and you might want to pour some water into any floor drains, just to be sure!
What If Smoke Enters Your Home?
In the unlikely event that smoke does seep into your home, there’s no need to panic! Help is just a phone call away. You can reach out to the city officials, and they’ll assist you in figuring out where the smoke is coming from. No biggie!
Don’t Worry, It Clears Up Fast!
If you notice any smoke, rest assured it won’t stain your walls or furniture. Any smoke you see should clear away quickly. However, prolonged exposure could irritate your skin, so it’s always best to step away if you find yourself in it for too long.
If You Have Questions…
As with any community activity, it’s natural to have questions. If you’re left wondering about the smoke testing or have concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the City of Florence at (843) 665-3236. They are more than happy to assist you!
So, Florence residents, let’s embrace this testing as a positive stride toward keeping our sanitary sewer system working efficiently. Let’s work together to keep our homes and neighborhoods clean and safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Smoke Testing in Florence
- SCNow: Florence to Smoke Out Sewer Problems
- WBTW: Substandard Living Conditions in Florence
- Google Search: Sewer System Maintenance
- WPDE: Florence Motel Reopens After Violations
- Wikipedia: Wastewater Management
- WMBF: Fire Incident in West Florence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Pollution
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
