Your Water & Sewer Systems
Since most of it is buried underground, most people never think about their water and sewer systems until there is a problem. Responsibility for these utilities is as follows:
HMUA Responsibilities
The HMUA owns and is responsible for maintenance and repair of the water and sewer mains within public roadways and rights of way. In addition, HMUA is responsible for the facilities listed below. If these items are damaged because of tampering or neglect, the cost of parts and labor for repair or replacement may be charged back to the customer.
- Service Connection – the portion of pipe that runs from the water main to the curb valve.
- Curb Valve & Curb Box – the curb valve is located underground at your property line and is accessed through the curb box. The curb valve connects to your service line and operates as a shut-off valve at your property line.
- Water Meter – a device that measures your water usage. Typically the water meter is located inside the home or building, or may be located in a meter pit near the property line.
- Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) – a device attached to the water meter that allows HMUA personnel to read the meter inside your home or business without having to enter the building.
- Sewer Lateral – the portion of sewer pipe that runs from the sewer main to the property line. In many cases a clean out is located at the property line.
- Clean-out (at property line) – a pipe from the underground sewer lateral to the ground. Provides access for rodding out the sewer lateral to clear a blockage.
Customer’s Responsibilities
You own and are responsible for maintenance and repair of:
- Water Service Line – the portion of water pipe from the curb valve, located at or near your property line, into your home or business.
- Meter Valves – also known as the cellar valves or house shut-off valves, located inside your premises on either side of the water meter.
- Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) – an optional device that regulates the pressure of water entering the building, usually located on your plumbing near the water meter or hot water heater.
- Sewer Lateral (property line to house) – the portion of sewer pipe that runs from the property line to the house.
- Maintain full access to the water meter and ERT within your basement for maintenance or repair by HMUA personnel (by appointment).
Water & Sewer Emergency Repairs
Please do not hesitate to call us about suspected water main leaks or sewer blockages. For repairs to HMUA owned equipment or repairs:
- Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM call (908) 852-3622
- After hours (emergency only) service call (908) 246-9520
For repair of customer-owned equipment, please contact your plumber.