How may smoke enter my house/business/other building?

Since plumbing fixtures in your home or business are connected to the sanitary sewer system, there is the potential for the smoke to enter if the drains are not connected properly. This happens particularly under the following circumstances:

• The vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective or improperly installed.

• The traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective or improperly installed.

• The pipes, connections or seals in the wastewater drain system in and/or under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or are improperly installed.

*Drains that are used frequently should be okay. If you are not sure, simply run water down the drain for a minute to ensure that the trap is not dry. It is important to locate dry traps as they could allow sewer gases to enter the home.