Smoke tests give developers immediate feedback. They reveal failures severe enough to reject a prospective software build before it goes through more extensive functional testing.

During a smoke test, nontoxic smoke is blown through manholes and into the sewer system to identify leaks. Residents may experience a short amount of smoke entering their homes, but it is harmless and will only last a few minutes with proper ventilation.

Prevents Leaks

In software testing, smoke tests are surface-level checks that identify failures severe enough to reject a build. The smoke test scripts are usually reusable and can be used to check other functionalities later.

Smoke testing involves a field technician installing a blower over a neighborhood maintenance hole and pumping nontoxic, colorless smoke through the sewer system. The smoke can help locate leaks and faulty inflow connections to the sewer system from basement drains, catch basins or roof and foundation drains.

The smoke used in the testing does not enter homes or buildings, but if it does, property owners should open windows and ventilate as much as possible. The odorless, colorless smoke is not harmful to people or pets and will clear up quickly. Residents with mobility or respiratory conditions may wish to make a prior appointment with a plumber for further information. City staff will provide advance notice and discrete door-to-door inquiries to ensure occupants know about the testing and can make arrangements.

Reduces Risk of Damage

Smoke testing can uncover serious system problems before conducting more detailed functional or regression testing. It is typically done immediately following the distribution of a new build to QA and can be executed manually or through automation.

During a smoke test, nontoxic smoke is blown through a maintenance hole or other open drain to reveal any leaks in the main line or connecting pipes. The simulated smoke clears quickly and will not stain walls or furniture, but prolonged exposure can irritate. Residents can avoid discomfort by opening their doors and windows to ventilate.

It’s important to note that while simulated smoke shouldn’t enter homes or buildings if it does, this could indicate a leak in your home plumbing that would allow sewer gases to enter, posing a health hazard. Property owners can correct leaks independently or contact a licensed plumber for assistance. All plumbing fixture drain traps should be filled with water before smoke testing to eliminate the possibility of a leak.

Ensures Safety

Smoke testing is a quick and concise process to ensure that a new build has no show-stopping bugs or that critical functionalities work correctly. It is often performed after sanity testing and before detailed functional testing. This saves QA teams time and resources while still finding any errors that might have been overlooked during sanity testing or in the code development process.

Smoking tests can be conducted throughout the year, but summer is preferred due to drier weather conditions that lower groundwater conditions and allow smoke to travel further through pipes. Residents should be made aware of planned smoke testing by community leaders so that they can clear out drain traps and open their doors or windows to ventilate the area during the testing. The smoke is nontoxic and will not stain walls or furniture, but it may irritate individuals with respiratory problems.

Performing smoke testing regularly is a great way to prevent inflow from sewer systems, which can result in costly repairs and increased operating costs for the utility company. Contact us today to schedule your next smoke test.

Saves Money

Using nontoxic smoke, technicians blow it through maintenance holes and into the sewer system to detect leaks. This process can reveal hidden cracks and breaks in the pipes and other problems, such as unlined laterals or septic systems.

A smoke test suite must be manageable for the QA team, whether manual or automated. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to run and should cover all critical functionality areas.

Smoke testing is a great way to quickly and inexpensively verify the state of a software build and determine if it’s ready for further functional testing. It also reduces the time a developer or tester spends on unnecessary tests.

If you live in an area where smoke testing is performed, your community will likely notify residents several weeks ahead to allow them to prepare properly. You can also check your local government’s website or social media for information and attend any scheduled public or virtual meetings.