Plumbers in Hackensack, NJ
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Plumbers in Hackensack: what to know
Hackensack's drinking water comes from Veolia Water New Jersey. Federal records list the city among the towns served by Veolia's Hackensack water system. Wastewater goes to the Bergen County Utilities Authority, which Hackensack joined in 1960.
Lead service lines
New Jersey's 2021 lead service line law gives water systems a 10-year window to replace lead lines. The law applies regardless of who owns the line. Veolia owns the pipe from the main to your property line, and you own the part that runs into the house.
Veolia says it now replaces customer-owned lead lines at no cost to the homeowner. An engineering firm on the project reports the Hackensack system program grew to 4,600 dig-and-determine checks and 2,500 replacements. Look up your address on Veolia's service line page before paying a plumber for a private replacement.
Combined sewers and basement backups
Many Hackensack streets still have combined sewers, where rainwater and waste share one pipe. The city says this can push sewage back into basements during heavy rain. It has been separating the systems since 2015, and its project list shows more work west of the railroad in 2026 and 2027.
The city's licensed wastewater operator also asks residents not to flush wipes, even "flushable" ones. His letter says they cause backups in residential laterals, the pipe a plumber clears when your drain backs up. If your basement has flooded before, ask about a backwater valve when you get quotes.
Permits and street work
The city's plumbing permit application asks for the contractor's license number and HIC registration or exemption. Replacing a water heater with one of like capacity is minor work that still needs a permit. Digging up a sidewalk or street for a sewer or water line also needs a city excavation permit. The city asks for ten business days to review it, except in emergencies.
Only 36.6% of Hackensack homes are owner-occupied. If you rent or live in a condo, check with your landlord or association before booking plumbing work.
Hackensack permit office
Building, plumbing and electrical permits come from the City of Hackensack construction office. Your contractor normally pulls the permit, but it's worth confirming.
- Office
- Building, Housing & Land Use Department (Construction Official)
- Phone
- (201) 646-3920
- Website
- hackensack.org
Plumbers in Hackensack: common questions
Who replaces a lead water service line in Hackensack?
Veolia Water New Jersey supplies Hackensack. It owns the line from the main to your property line, and you own the rest. Veolia says it is replacing customer-owned lead lines at no cost, and state law requires lead lines to be replaced regardless of ownership. Check your address on Veolia's service line page or call Veolia before hiring a plumber for this job.
Why does my Hackensack basement back up when it rains hard?
Parts of Hackensack still have combined sewers that carry stormwater and sewage in the same pipe. The city says heavy rain can cause backups into basements in those areas. It is separating the systems in stages, listed on its CSO page. A licensed plumber can check your house lateral and discuss a backwater valve. Keeping wipes and grease out of drains also helps, the city says.
Do I need a permit to replace a sewer or water line in Hackensack?
Yes. Plumbing permits go through the city's Building, Housing & Land Use Department. Under state rules, a licensed master plumber must sign the application. If the work opens a sidewalk, driveway apron or street, the contractor also needs a city excavation permit. The city allows ten business days for review, with an exception for emergencies.
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