The Town of Selma will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system starting the week of July 22nd. The initial testing is expected to take five days, however additional testing may be needed. The NC Rural Water Association is working with Selma on this important project.
The work will involve the opening and entering of manholes in the streets and public utility easements.
A special non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.
An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm and other surface water enter the sewer system.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary 
sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:
- Vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
- Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
- Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged,defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.
All Selma residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter. Should smoke enter your home or business, you may contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or contact Ms. Dedira Stevens at the Town of Selma at 919-965-9841.
The information gained from this testing will be used to improve sewer services and reduce extraneous flow from entering the sanitary sewer system.
