What are the different types of smoke tester?

Shop for Smoke Testers

Standard smoke emitter pellet

This is the standard smoke emitter pellet. When ignited it will give off a non-toxic, artificially created, high-density white smoke.

These type of pellets are will degrade to ash when combusted and are typically used for testing for defects, leaks, and breakages in drains, pipes, and chimney flues. They are also used to detect whether or not a flue is drawing.

Standard smoke emitter pellet (colour)

When ignited, the standard coloured smoke emitter pellet gives off a non-toxic, artificially created, high-density red/orange smoke. These pellets will degrade to ash when combusted and typically used for testing for defects, leaks, and breakages in drains, pipes, and chimney flues.

You would use these coloured pellets on cloudy, grey days or otherwise when visually spotting white smoke may be difficult without some background contrast. Warning: dye may stain.

Encased smoke emitter pellet

Encased smoke emitter pellets work in exactly the same way as the standard variety except they have the added benefit of being easier to handle while igniting and that the leftover ash is contained within the casement, making them less messy to use. These are typically used for locating defects, leaks, and breakages in drains, pipes, and chimney flues.

Encased smoke emitter pellet (colour)

Coloured encased smoke emitter pellets give off a red/orange, non-toxic smoke which makes them readily visible on grey or cloudy days where lack of contrast may make spotting small plumes of smoke difficult. The encasement makes the pellet easier to hold when igniting and also holds the leftover ash making them less messy to clean up after use. Warning: dye may stain.

Smoke emitter candle

Smoke emitter candles are essentially encased smoke emitter pellets with an easy-to-light wick. This type of smoke tester is often used for testing drains and sewers for defects, leaks, and breakages.

Smoke emitter matches

When lit, smoke emitter matches produce a high-density, low-toxic white smoke and are often used to check air flow and direction of flow in chimney flues, vents, and fans.