Salina Board to Consider Plumbing Code Change Allowing Smoke Testing
The Salina Building Advisory Board is scheduled to consider a local plumbing code amendment Tuesday that would formally allow smoke testing as an alternative method for testing certain drainage and venting systems.
The board will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Room 107 at 300 W. Ash St.
The proposed change involves the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, specifically sections 712.1 and 723.1, which address testing requirements for plumbing, drainage, venting systems and building sewers.
According to the staff report, testing of drainage and venting systems is primarily done through a water test. The report also notes that the current code prohibits air testing on plastic piping, leaving water testing as the main option allowed under the code.
City staff said that can create practical issues for contractors. In some cases, contractors may not have water available on site when underground drainage piping is first installed. Cold weather can also complicate water testing because freezing water can damage pipes.
The proposed amendment would allow smoke testing as an approved alternative for drain-waste-vent, or DWV, drainage and venting systems. Staff said smoke testing has already been used by contractors in Salina for many years and has been allowed by the building inspections department in place of water testing.
Under the proposed language, contractors would be able to choose between water testing or smoke testing in Salina. The amendment would not remove water testing as an option. It would add smoke testing as an allowed alternative method.
The staff report includes proposed changes to both sections. For Section 712.1, the new language would state that “Smoke Testing is an allowed alternative means of testing DWV drainage and venting systems.” Similar language would also be added to Section 723.1 involving building sewers.
The packet also includes a smoke testing procedure document. It states that smoke testing should only be performed by trained professionals and that building owners, occupants and anyone connected to the plumbing system should be notified before testing. The document also says the building should generally be unoccupied during the test, except for those involved in the testing process.
The procedure notes that central-station fire alarm systems may need to be disabled during testing because smoke can activate alarms. It also states that visible smoke during inspection indicates a fault in the plumbing system.
If the Building Advisory Board approves the recommendation, the proposed amendment would then be sent to the Salina City Commission for final approval.
The agenda packet does not list a direct budget impact or fee change connected to the proposal. The practical effect would be on contractors, builders and inspections by giving another approved option for testing certain plumbing systems.