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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that smoke testing and visual sewer inspections will be carried out in selected areas of Ingham from Wednesday 29 April to Wednesday 27 May 2026, weather permitting. These works are being undertaken by Council’s appointed contractors as part of the sewer manhole condition assessment program.
Smoke testing and inspections will occur in the following Ingham streets: Hardy Street, Cartwright Street, Atzeni Lane, Blackburn Street, Burke Street, Bird Street, Renouf Street, Stone Street, Stallan Street, Harvey Street, Flynn Street, Cassady Street, Lyons Street, Clay Street, Forgan Street, Jesson Street, Hunter Street, Morrissey Street, Victoria Mill Road, Covell Street, Mahoney Street, Tilley Street, Giugni Street and Scott Street.
Smoke testing is a safe and non-invasive way for Council to inspect the sewer network and identify issues that are not always visible. It helps locate cracks or breaks in sewer pipes, damaged or deteriorated infrastructure, illegal stormwater or roof drainage connections entering the sewer system, and faulty house drain connections linked to Council assets.
Identifying these issues early helps reduce sewer overflows and system failures, improves the reliability and performance of the sewer network, and protects the environment.
Smoke testing also helps prevent sewer backups that can affect properties during wet weather and reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs by addressing problems before they escalate.
Smoke testing works by blowing non-toxic smoke into sewer mains through manholes, allowing authorised inspectors to observe where smoke escapes and identify areas where Council infrastructure may need to be inspected and resealed.
The smoke is non-toxic, odourless and harmless. It is made from a high-grade food oil, may be visible around sewer vents, yards or roof drainage points, and clears quickly. There will be no disruption to water or sewer services.
If smoke enters your home, it may indicate a perished toilet seal or a dry or empty gully trap. These are private plumbing issues and do not pose a health risk.
Authorised Council officers may enter properties for restricted inspection purposes only. Entry is limited to the property and does not include entry into buildings. Inspectors will doorknock the day before access is required, or leave a notification leaflet if no one is home, advising of inspection the following working day.
Please ensure pets, including dogs, are secured to allow safe access for inspectors.
Council thanks residents for their cooperation while these important inspections are undertaken. Call Council on (07) 4776 4600 or email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au for more information.
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