OUR SERVICES
Smoke Testing
Fast, non-invasive diagnostics for hidden defects and wrong connections. We introduce safe smoke into your network and read where it escapes — quickly mapping illegal connections, cross-connections and infiltration sources that would otherwise stay hidden underground.
SERVICE OVERVIEW
Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is a fast, low-cost way to expose hidden defects and wrong connections in sewer and stormwater systems.
Absolute GPR introduces safe, non-toxic smoke into a section of the network under low pressure and watches where it escapes. Wherever smoke appears at the surface, it reveals a defect, an open connection or a cross-connection — quickly mapping problems that would otherwise stay hidden underground.
It’s non-invasive, causes no damage, and covers a large section of network in a single visit — making it one of the most efficient diagnostic tools available for sewer and stormwater investigation.
The Process
How Smoke Testing Works
We isolate a section of the network and blow non-hazardous smoke into it through an access point. The smoke follows the path of least resistance and emerges wherever there’s an opening — building a clear map of defects and wrong connections.
Isolate the Section
A defined length of network is isolated and access points are identified for smoke introduction.
Introduce the Smoke
Non-toxic, non-staining smoke is blown into the network under low pressure through the access point.
Observe & Record
Technicians watch the surface for smoke emerging from cracks, open connections, gullies and private connections that shouldn’t exist.
Map & Report
Each emergence point is recorded and mapped, building a clear, actionable picture of defects and illegal or cross-connected services.
Detection Capability
What Smoke Testing Detects
Wherever smoke appears at the surface, a problem is confirmed — defects, wrong connections and infiltration sources mapped in a single visit.
Illegal Stormwater Connections
Open Defects & Cracked Infrastructure
Sewer & Stormwater Cross-Connections
Sources of Inflow & Infiltration
Origin of Persistent Sewer Odours
Why Choose Smoke Testing
Benefits
Fast Diagnostics
Large sections of network checked in a single visit — making it one of the most efficient investigation methods available.
Non-Invasive
No excavation, no damage to infrastructure and no disruption to the surface — the network is investigated entirely from above.
Cost-Effective
A low-cost way to find high-cost problems — smoke testing quickly narrows down where targeted investigation or repair is needed.
Better Performance
Removing illegal inflow protects network capacity, reduces treatment and pumping costs, and supports regulatory compliance.
WHO WE SERVE
Who It's For
Municipalities
Tackling infiltration and illegal connections in reticulation and bulk sewer networks — reducing treatment loads and protecting infrastructure.
Environmental & Compliance Teams
Protecting water quality, identifying illegal discharges and building an evidence base for regulatory reporting and enforcement.
Developers & Industrial Sites
Confirming drainage is correctly connected before handover, development approval or operational compliance sign-off.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the smoke used in smoke testing safe?
Yes. We use non-toxic, non-staining smoke that is safe for people, property and the environment. It is designed specifically for testing drainage and sewer systems and leaves no residue.
Why does smoke come up in gardens or gutters during a test?
Because it is following a path it shouldn't. Smoke emerging from a stormwater gully, a garden bed or the ground surface usually indicates a cross-connection, an illegal connection or a defect in the pipe — exactly what the test is designed to find.
EXPLORE MORE
Related Services
Condition assessment works best when combined with targeted investigation and monitoring.
Cross-Contamination Testing
Targeted testing to confirm and document cross-connections between sewer and stormwater systems for regulatory and compliance purposes.
Sewer & Stormwater Assessment
Comprehensive structural and hydraulic condition assessment — smoke testing feeds directly into the prioritised network health report.
CCTV Pipeline Inspection
Robotic crawler inspection to visually confirm and document defects and wrong connections identified during smoke testing.
Ready to Find What's Hiding in Your Network?
Talk to our team about your site and we’ll scope a smoke testing programme that delivers results quickly and cost-effectively.