Case Study: When Experience, Training, and the Right Tools Solve the Impossible June 2026 – Phoenix, Arizona
In the pest control industry, some infestations refuse to follow the rules.
That was exactly the situation Stacey with Vintage Pest Management encountered when she was called to inspect a residence in the Phoenix area suffering from ongoing rodent and American cockroach infestations. The property manager and tenant had both grown frustrated after dealing with repeated pest activity despite previous service efforts. In fact, it had been two years and three separate companies prior to Vintage being consulted.
Upon arrival, Stacey conducted a thorough inspection. What she found was interesting.
Exterior exclusion work had already been completed. Entry points had been sealed, and there were very few obvious pathways for pests to continue invading the structure. Yet the infestations kept returning, and they always seemed to reappear in the same areas of the home.
Because Stacey had invested time training on and utilizing the Sewer Assassin system, she immediately recognized the signs.
Based on the pest species involved, the history of recurring infestations, and the existing exclusion measures already in place, she strongly suspected the true source of the problem was the one area many pest companies never consider—the plumbing system.
Unfortunately, this is a common blind spot throughout the industry. While many companies excel at traditional exclusion and exterior control, very few have been trained to identify or address sewer-based pest intrusions. This can be problematic if you stand by your control and exclusion services.
Confident in her assessment, Stacey recommended performing a plumbing smoke test to determine whether pests were entering through breaches in the sanitary system.
The property manager explained that they already had a plumber who had previously conducted a smoke test and found no defects. The plumber offered to return and perform another test—and at a lower price than Vintage.
As many service professionals know, property management companies often choose the least expensive option.
Rather than argue, Stacey simply requested one thing:
She wanted to be present during the test.
And she arrived prepared.
Stacey brought along the FogTrace™ plumbing smoke test machine from Sewer Assassin—just in case.
When the plumber arrived, he unloaded a smoke testing machine unlike anything anyone on site had seen before. The unit was gas-powered and produced very little visible smoke. Even worse, it quickly filled the home with a strong gas odor, creating an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.
After completing the test, the plumber reported that he could not identify any significant issues.
Stacey politely asked if she could perform one additional test using the FogTrace.
The plumber agreed.
What happened next changed everything.
Within seconds of activating the FogTrace, dense, highly visible fog began pouring from a plumbing vent that had been terminated inside a wall during the construction of an added-on laundry room. This unfortunately is an to common corner to cut.
Almost immediately, additional fog was observed escaping around a failed toilet wax seal.
Remarkably, these were the exact two locations where the recurring rodent and American cockroach activity had consistently originated.
The source of the infestation had finally been identified.
The plumber, although understandably embarrassed, was extremely impressed by both the visibility and performance of the FogTrace system. The experience became an educational opportunity rather than a confrontation.
Vintage Pest Management had accomplished what several previous service providers could not—accurately diagnosing and proving the true source of the infestation.
More importantly, they became the hero for both the tenant and the property manager.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that successful pest management requires more than products alone. It requires ongoing education, innovative tools, and the willingness to look beyond traditional inspection methods.
For Stacey and Vintage Pest Management, training and technology made all the difference.
For one Phoenix homeowner, it finally meant answers.
And for at least one plumber, it demonstrated that there is simply a better way to conduct plumbing smoke testing today.
Upgrade Your Smoke Testing Equipment
When accuracy matters, the right equipment makes all the difference. The FogTrace™ Plumbing Smoke Testing Machine produces dense, highly visible fog that helps quickly identify sewer defects, plumbing leaks, and pest entry points.
Invest in the FogTrace™ and see what others miss.
Smoke Testing FAQ: Fog Fluid, Equipment & Leak Detection
Can I use theatrical fog fluid for plumbing smoke testing?
Some theatrical fluids may create fog, but they are not specifically designed for sewer inspection applications. Professional plumbing smoke testing typically requires a denser and longer-lasting fog.
Does fog fluid affect smoke testing results?
Yes. Fog density, visibility, and hang time all impact how effectively you can locate leaks, defects, and plumbing issues.
What is the best fog fluid for sewer inspections?
A professional-grade, high-density fog fluid designed for plumbing smoke testing applications typically provides the best results.
What machine works best for plumbing smoke testing?
The FogTrace™ Smoke Testing Machine is specifically designed to help contractors perform professional sewer and plumbing smoke tests efficiently.
Can smoke testing help find rodent entry points?
Yes. Smoke testing is commonly used to identify hidden openings and sewer defects that allow rodents to enter structures.
