A hidden leak in your plumbing system can wreak havoc on your Durham home with water and mold damage, sewage leaks, and sewer smells. If you suspect you have a leak, don’t wait — contact the expert team at JD Service Now.
We specialize in precise smoke testing methods to find hidden leaks quickly. Our licensed and insured team offers upfront pricing, free estimates on replacement quotes, and a “JD We Do It Right Craftsmanship” guarantee, delivering confidence and satisfaction to every customer.
Contact our team for smoke testing to detect leaks in Durham.
What Is Smoke Testing, and Why Do We Use It?
Undetected leaks can cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards. They can be difficult to locate even if you know you have a leak. A home’s piping extends for many yards, much of it behind walls and under floors. Smoke testing is a precise method to identify the source of leaks and sewer smells.
The process involves carefully injecting artificially produced smoke into pipelines to reveal cracks or defects. Smoke testing can accurately locate and repair these issues, preventing further damage and ensuring a healthy, odor-free environment.
The Problem: Sewer Smells
If you’re experiencing sewer smells in your home, a plumber will first check common sources of sewer gas leaks, such as wax rings under toilets and air admittance valves (AAVs) that serve as vents for various fixtures. If these components are not the culprits, you may have a hidden leak in your drainage system. A smoke test is the next step to identify those leaks so your plumber can repair the damage and plug the source of the smell.
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The Process of Smoke Testing for Leak Detection
Smoke testing is a precise process. Here’s how it works:
- Preparation: All roof vents are plugged off to ensure smoke remains within the drainage system.
- Introducing smoke: A liquid chemical is pressurized through a turbine and pumped into the drainage system via a cleanout outside.
- Detection: While one technician pumps the smoke, others move throughout the home, looking for traces of smoke, which indicate leaks. These leaks may be found in crawl spaces, attics, or even behind walls.

Application for Smoke Testing in Residential and Commercial Buildings
Both residential homes and commercial buildings undergo similar smoke testing procedures; all entry points are capped off, and smoke is introduced to depressurize the system.
The cost of smoke testing can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the building. Regardless of the building type, smoke testing is vital for maintaining the integrity of the drainage system and ensuring a safe, odor-free environment.
Tips for Effective Smoke Testing
To ensure the effectiveness of smoke testing, consider the following tips:
- Turn off air conditioning: This prevents air movement, making it easier to detect smoke.
- Access points: Ensure all access points are properly capped.
- Multiple stories: The number of stories in the building affects the complexity of the test.
Benefits of Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is highly effective and ensures long-term solutions and peace of mind. Here are some key benefits of smoke testing:
- Accurate leak detection: Smoke testing is a precise method for identifying leaks, even hidden behind walls or other hard-to-reach areas.
- Safe for plumbing: Smoke testing is a minimally invasive method that allows your plumber to detect all leaks without damaging your plumbing system.
- Comprehensive: Smoke testing thoroughly examines your drainage system, allowing it to identify multiple issues at once.
- Quick and efficient: The process is relatively quick, allowing for immediate identification and repair of leaks without extended downtime.

Choose JD Service Now for Smoke Testing in Durham, NC
JD Service Now is your trusted partner for smoke testing in Durham, NC. Family-owned and -operated since 2005, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing the best service and ensuring your home or building is free from unpleasant sewer smells. If you have any questions or need to schedule a smoke test, call us and experience the confidence and peace of mind that comes standard at JD Service Now.