Beginning Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the City of Statesville and its contractor, Gavel & Dorn Engineering, will begin smoke testing portions of the city's wastewater collection system. The testing is expected to take approximately one week, weather permitting.
Smoke testing is a safe and effective method used to identify breaks, leaks and improper connections in the sanitary sewer system. During the process, crews will introduce a non-toxic, non-staining white smoke into the wastewater pipes. The smoke helps identify locations where repairs may be needed.
If you receive a door hanger
Not every home or business on the streets listed below will be tested. Only select properties are included in this phase of the project. If your property is scheduled for testing, a door hanger will be placed at your front door before testing begins with additional information and instructions.
Before testing, pour water into all floor drains and any infrequently used drains, such as basement drains, showers, tubs, sinks and toilets. This helps ensure drain traps contain water and prevents smoke from entering the building during testing.
What to expect
You may see City of Statesville staff and crews from Gavel & Dorn Engineering, the city's contractor, working in your neighborhood.
Crews will not enter homes or businesses as part of the testing.
The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, nearly odorless and safe for people and pets.
Smoke should normally exit through plumbing vent stacks on the roof. If smoke enters a home or business, it may indicate a dry drain trap or a plumbing issue that should be inspected.
Streets where smoke testing will occur
Not every property on these streets will be tested. Only properties that receive a door hanger are included in this phase of the project.
7th Street
8th Street
9th Street
10th Street
11th Street
12th Street
Armfield Street
Belfast Road
Brown Summit Avenue
Buffalo Shoals Road
Charlotte Avenue
Cochran Street
Columbia Street
Connor Street
Drake Street
Durham Avenue
Fayetteville Avenue
Goldsboro Avenue
Hill Street
Hill Terrace
Newbern Avenue
Raleigh Avenue
Randolph Street
S. Lackey Street
Secor Street
W. Bell Street
W. Front Street
W. Raleigh Avenue
Wallace Street
Western Avenue
Wilmington Avenue
Wilson W. Lee Blvd.
Winston Avenue
Questions?
For questions about the smoke testing project, contact:
Adam Brookshire
Gavel & Dorn Engineering
704-719-6217
Eric Moten
City of Statesville
704-832-3823
This content is sourced from
Statesville Convention and Visitors Bureau
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
