Salina advisory board backs allowing smoke tests as alternative for plastic DWV piping

On July 14 the Salina Building Advisory Board voted to recommend that the City Commission adopt local amendments to the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code to allow smoke testing as an alternative means of testing plastic drainage, waste and vent (DWV) piping.

Building inspections staff told the board the UPC specifies water testing for DWV and explicitly prohibits air testing on plastic piping, leaving no alternative in the code. "Smoke testing has been proven to be an effective method of testing plastic pipes," the staff member said, noting the department has allowed smoke tests informally for years and now seeks to codify the practice. Staff cited practical problems with water tests on new construction—contractors often lack onsite water and cold weather can freeze test water and damage pipes.

Board members discussed trade practices and safety guidance. One member said previous local practice had relied in part on visible purple primer at joints; staff cautioned that primer alone does not verify the integrity of pipe material and pointed to manufacturer guidance advising against air tests on plastic for safety reasons. The board also discussed remodel situations, where staff said smoke testing is often cleaner and less disruptive than installing temporary cleanouts and flooding lines with water.

A board member moved to recommend approval of the proposed local UPC amendments to allow contractors to choose smoke testing or water testing; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor with no recorded opposition. The board will forward the recommendation to the Salina City Commission for final action.