Drain cleaning & sewer clearing in New Jersey

Recurring main-line backups in New Jersey homes most often trace to tree roots entering joints in old clay or cast-iron laterals, with freeze-thaw movement widening those gaps over winter. A video camera inspection should come first to locate the intrusion and rule out a collapsed or Orangeburg section, since hydro jetting is appropriate only on structurally sound pipe. For confirmed root masses, periodic root cutting or jetting (commonly every 18-24 months) helps keep the line clear. Homes in flood- or surcharge-prone low areas should also verify that any required backwater valve is present and serviceable.

Sources: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers · NJ Dept. of Community Affairs - Uniform Construction Code (current codes) · 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code (IAPMO ePubs)

Across New Jersey, drain and sewer work is governed by these statewide rules under the state plumbing code:

• Permit

  Snaking or jetting an existing drain is treated as clearing/ordinary maintenance and generally needs no construction permit, but altering, relocating, extending, or replacing a buried sewer line requires a plumbing permit under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.

  Repair/replace only
• Cleanout access

  Under the National Standard Plumbing Code adopted by New Jersey, horizontal building drains must have accessible cleanouts at intervals of not more than 100 feet, plus at changes of direction and near the building-drain/sewer connection.

  Required
• Licensed contractor

  Plumbing and sewer work must be performed by or under a licensed master plumber; licensing is administered by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

  State-licensed plumber
• Lateral ownership

  In New Jersey the property owner generally owns and maintains the entire sewer lateral from the house to the connection at the public main, including the portion running under the street or right-of-way.

  Homeowner to the main
• Backwater valve

  The National Standard Plumbing Code (adopted statewide) requires an approved, accessible backwater valve on drainage serving fixtures located below the elevation of the curb or property line where the sewer crosses it, to protect against sewage backflow.

  Check local code

Sources: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers · NJ Dept. of Community Affairs - Uniform Construction Code (current codes) · 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code (IAPMO ePubs)