Sewer Backup
If you are experiencing a problem with the sewer in your home or building, determine whether the entire building or home is affected. If so, the problem may be outside the building. Before you incur the cost and expense of a plumber, call the HMUA. Our personnel will respond and determine whether the problem is in the HMUA owned portion of the pipe or the homeowner portion. If the problem is in the street, HMUA personnel will correct the problem. If the problem exists between the property line and the home or building, the owner is responsible to correct the problem.
Customers can aid in preventing clogged sewer lines by not putting grease, meat drippings or greasy food scraps down the drain or toilet into the sewer. Do not use the sewer as a garbage can. Garbage disposals are also not permitted within the HMUA service area.
You can report a sewer backup or overflow 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by calling (908) 246-9520. Do not assume your neighbor will call. We would rather receive multiple reports about a problem than no reports at all.
Water Meter Obstruction
There can be no obstruction of access to your water meter. If the water meter is inaccessible for HMUA personnel at any time, you will be required to remedy that situation to ensure accessibility.
Leaks
If you discover a leaking water pipe in your home, look to see if there is a valve near the problem area to shut off and stop the leak. If this is possible, it will allow the remainder of the building to remain in service while the problem is corrected.
If you are unable to turn a valve near the problem, look for a valve near where the water meter is located to shut off the water into the building. If there is no valve, or the valve does not function, call the HMUA and request that water be shut off at the curb.
Water Leaking in the Street
Signs of a water main or service connection leak include water running down the street or curb line and water coming out of a crack in the street or at the curb line. If you notice this situation, call the HMUA to notify them of the location of the water, so that it can be investigated.
High Water Bill
If you receive a higher water bill than you were expecting, it may be due to a leaking appliance that went unnoticed over a period of time. This is common with toilets in particular. If your water usage is high not due to swimming pool and lawn watering operations, check fixtures for leakage.
Turning Off Your Master Valve
If a valve can not be located near the source of the trouble, find and turn off the master valve. This valve is normally located near the water meter in the front of the house or where the water service line enters the building. Closing this valve will shut off all the water to the building.
In the event that the master valve does not operate, please call the HMUA main office for assistance. A technician will be dispatched to turn off the water at the curb valve. There is no charge for this service.
If you plan to be away for a long period, it is advisable to shut off your water master valve. If you turn off the master valve for a long period of time, remember to turn off the electric or gas supply to the hot water heater. If you are uncertain of what to do, please call the HMUA main office, gas or electric company for assistance.
It is recommended that homeowners become familiar with the general layout of their plumbing system – especially the location of sewer clean-outs. Clean-outs may be both inside and outside the home. The HMUA has inspection maps for most of the sewer installations in our system. Call the HMUA Business Office to obtain a copy.