Sewer Backup: Tips That Will Save You Money In New Jersey

Located in Monmouth County, ICUNJ informs their clients with tips on how to save money when you have a sewer backup in NJ.

In the event of a sewer backup suspected to be coming from the town's main sewer line, call the town first before calling a plumber. If the town is contacted first it may prevent an unnecessary expense.

In the event of a sewer backup suspected to be coming from the town’s main sewer line, call the town first before calling a plumber. If the town is contacted first it may prevent an unnecessary expense.

The town’s wastewater department will help determine if the blockage is in a private sewer service line or in the Town’s sewer main. The Town is responsible for the sewer main, and the property owner is responsible for cleaning and repairing the service line that runs from the home/building to the Town sewer main.

There are many reasons for backups that the Town cannot control. Residents can help prevent these backups by only flushing toilet paper and human waste. There are items that should never be flushed or poured down the drain.

The worst offenders are: grease, cleaning wipes of any kind, dental floss, diapers, facial tissue, paint, chemicals, bandages, needles, condoms, medications, feminine items, cotton balls, cigarette butts, rags and chewing gum. These items will not only damage private sewer service lines but also components of the Town system. (The added expense to clean and repair damage to the Town’s system ultimately falls on the utility customers.)

When grease is poured down a drain it cools rapidly and will adhere to the walls of a sewer pipe causing a blockage. Grease should be poured into a soup or coffee can and thrown in the trash when it has cooled. Putting that container in a freezer will harden the grease.

Tree roots are also a frequent culprit in sewer backups because they can grow into joints of older clay tile sewer pipe and create a blockage. The only way to help prevent this is by making sure plants, shrubs, or trees aren’t anywhere near the sewer line and have the line cleaned and inspected annually. ICUNJ can be hired to clean the line and inspect it with a camera. This will determine if there is a root intrusion, pipe break or deterioration from age. Establishing an annual preventative maintenance program for a private sewer line may save money in the long run.

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