Emergencies
A burst pipe or a flooding basement. The first five minutes decide how bad it gets.
Plumbing tips for Hackensack, NJ homes
Hackensack mixes century-old houses, two-families and apartment buildings, with a river that floods. Here is what that means for the plumbing, and how to find a licensed plumber.
Hackensack is the county seat and one of the most varied towns in Bergen County: Victorian and early 20th century houses on the older streets, two-family houses and small apartment buildings across much of the city, mid-century high-rises along the ridge, and new development near the river. The plumbing questions are as varied as the buildings.
Houses
- Pre-war houses with galvanized supply pipe that has often been partly replaced, cast iron drains, and steam or hot water heat. Poor pressure upstairs and radiators that need attention each autumn are the usual themes.
- Two-family houses with two of everything, sometimes sharing a water heater or a boiler. Who is responsible for what is worth settling in writing before something fails.
- Clay sewer laterals on the older streets, with the street trees to match. Repeated main line clogs call for a camera inspection.
Apartments and condos
Inside a unit, the owner's plumbing is the fixtures, supply lines and traps. Leaks travel downward, so a dripping supply line under a sink is the neighbor's ceiling stain. Braided stainless supply lines, a water alarm under each sink and knowing where the unit's shut-off valves are matter more in a multi-story building than anywhere else.
The river
The Hackensack River floods, and the streets nearest it have basements that know it. A sump pump alone is not enough in a storm outage: a battery backup and a backwater valve on the sewer line are the two additions that make the difference.
Water
Public water throughout, from the regional utility. Pressure in the flat parts of the city is generally moderate.
When you need a professional
Plumbing in New Jersey must be done under a licensed master plumber, and the license can be verified online in a minute. The Find a plumber page opens a search near Hackensack and walks through the check.
Plumbing topics for Hackensack
Clogs and drains
Kitchen sinks, tubs, toilets and the old sewer lines under many Bergen County streets.
Hot water
Looking after a water heater, and knowing when it has reached the end.
Steam and hot water heat
Older Bergen County houses often have radiators. They are simple systems once you understand them.
Kitchen and bath fixes
The small repairs that save a service call, with honest notes on how hard each one is.
Upkeep and hiring
Seasonal checks, and how to hire a plumber in New Jersey without regretting it.
Common questions
I live in a condo or apartment in Hackensack. Which plumbing is mine?
Usually everything from the shut-off valves inside your unit onward: fixtures, supply lines, traps and the connections to appliances. The risers, stacks and mains belong to the building. Check your association documents, and tell the building before any work that touches a shared pipe.
Does flooding affect plumbing in Hackensack?
In the low-lying streets near the river, yes. A sump pump with a battery backup, a check valve on the sewer line to stop backflow, and nothing valuable on the basement floor are the usual advice.
Need a professional?
When it is more than a quick fix, search for plumbers near your town and verify the New Jersey license in a minute.