The City of Coral Gables is conducting a sanitary sewer evaluation program to identify and reduce groundwater and stormwater entering the sanitary sewer system. Smoke testing will take place in affected neighborhoods starting Friday, July 31 and now has extended to go until Friday, August 14, 2026.

See a map of where testing will be taking place.

What is smoke testing?

Smoke testing is a standard procedure used to locate defects in the sanitary sewer system. Crews place a blower over a sanitary sewer manhole in the public right of way and send specially manufactured smoke through the sewer pipes.

The smoke is:

• Nontoxic
• Nonstaining
• Odorless or mildly scented
• Designed to leave no residue
• Harmless to people, pets and plants
• Unlikely to create a fire hazard

Smoke may appear from storm drains, the ground, roof vents or other openings. This may indicate broken manholes, improper connections, damaged or missing cleanout caps, cracked pipes or other defects that allow groundwater and stormwater to enter the sewer system.

What to expect

Testing will be conducted by Ardurra Group Inc., a local engineering firm. Crew members will wear uniforms and use clearly marked vehicles. They will be available to answer questions while work is underway.

Crews may need to walk around the front or back of a property to check for smoke coming from area drains, downspouts or the ground.

The Coral Gables Police and Fire departments have been notified of the testing locations and schedules. Residents will receive a reminder notice at least 24 to 48 hours before testing begins in their area.

How to prepare

Smoke should not enter a home or business when plumbing systems are working properly. To help prevent smoke from entering:

• Make sure all drain traps and plumbing fixtures contain water.
• Run water for 30 to 60 seconds in seldom-used drains, including floor drains, garage sinks and utility sinks.
• As an alternative, pour approximately 3 cups of water into each seldom-used drain.
• Prepare the drains as soon as the smoke testing notice is received. This only needs to be done once before testing begins.

What if smoke enters a building?

Smoke entering a home or business may indicate a defect in the plumbing system. The same defect could allow sewer gases to enter the building and create a potential health hazard.

Property owners are responsible for correcting defects within private plumbing systems. A licensed plumber should be consulted to identify the issue and make the appropriate repairs.

Why this work is important

Reducing inflow and infiltration into the wastewater system helps:

• Lower the risk of wastewater overflows in neighborhoods
• Improve the reliability of the sanitary sewer system
• Reduce the cost of treating groundwater and stormwater that should not enter the wastewater system

The city and its contractor will work to minimize inconvenience and disruptions during testing.

For questions or concerns, contact the Coral Gables Public Works Department at 305-460-5000 or email PWUtilities@coralgables.com.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is this test commonly used?

This routine, preventative maintenance test will help identify leaks, defects and stormwater inflows in the sewer system. It is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to make sure our wastewater collection system is working properly.

Does someone need to be home for this?

No. No one needs to be home during smoke testing.

How long will testing take?

Testing will be performed tentatively starting July 31 through August 14, 2026.

Is smoke testing safe for people, pets and plants?

Yes. The process is safe. The smoke used is non-toxic, non-staining, and odorless. A person, animal, or plant that comes in contact with testing material will not be in danger.

What can I expect if smoke happens to enter my home or place of business?

Should smoke enter your home or business, it will come from a plumbing fixture (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, etc.). The smoke takes about five to ten minutes to dissipate.

During testing, smoke should not enter a home. However, if it does, this means the homeowner may have a potential plumbing problem on their property. The city recommends the homeowner calls a plumber at their convenience. Repairs made by the City will only occur in the Public right-of-way.

If smoke does enter the building during testing, open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Note the location of the emission, exit the building and inform the testing crews. 

If you are unsure that the smoke is related to testing, please call 911.

Has the city ever done testing like this before?

Yes. It is a Miami-Dade County Environmental Resources Management (DERM) requirement to have this test performed for every review cycle (typically every 10 years).

Why is the city using this method?

Smoke testing is cost-effective and efficient when trying to identify potential concerns in our sewer systems.

The city is required to submit an SSES evaluation (Smoke Testing) on or before November 12, 2026 of the entire gravity system, as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER).

Who is responsible for the repair of the defects found?

If the defect is found on Private property/right-of-way, it is the obligation of the homeowner. If the defect is found in the Public  right-of-way, the defect will be addressed by the city.