Buying a home in Hoboken, NJ means looking beyond what you can see on the surface. One important item to check is the sewer line. Homeowners are typically responsible for the sewer line running from the house to the lateral, and sewer repairs or replacement can cost thousands of dollars. That is why a sewer inspection is a smart step before closing on a home.
A sewer inspection is performed by inserting a camera into the pipe through a cleanout. The camera is attached to a cable and pushed through the sewer line while a live video feed appears on a monitor. This allows the inspector to identify problems on site. The video is also saved for review, and you receive a written report detailing any issues found, including the location of the problem within the line.
Common sewer line problems include grease buildup, root intrusion, blockages, bellies, breaks, and misalignments. Grease can collect along the bottom of the pipe and restrict flow over time, increasing the risk of backups. Tree roots can enter through cracks or joints and continue growing until they partially or fully block the line. Other obstructions, including debris or items that should never be flushed, can also reduce flow and cause serious problems.
Some sewer lines also develop structural or mechanical issues. Pipes can crack, shift out of alignment, sag, or deteriorate with age. These problems may start small but often get worse over time, and in some cases the line may need excavation, repair, or full replacement.
When the issue is caused by grease, roots, or minor blockages, sewer jetting is often an effective solution. A sewer jetter uses high-pressure water to clear the line and restore proper flow. The sewer camera can then be used again to confirm the pipe is clean and functioning properly.
If jetting is not enough, repairs may be needed. In some cases, only a small damaged section of pipe must be excavated and replaced. In more severe situations, a larger portion of the sewer line may need to be exposed, repaired, realigned, or replaced. When the damage extends to the lateral near the street, permits and township approvals may also be required.
A sewer backup can be messy, stressful, and expensive. A professional sewer inspection in Hoboken, NJ can help you avoid costly surprises before you buy. Call Brink’s today to schedule your sewer inspection. Our licensed team has more than a decade of experience and is fully equipped to inspect, clean, repair, or replace damaged sewer lines.
We hired Brinks to remove an oil tank from an investment property we purchased in Union City. The job was tough. The tank was buried underneath a city sidewalk. It was on a small city street which required a lot of logistics. The city was even worse, they had unreasonable expectations and changed the date of the job on us at the 11th hour.
Throughout all of this turmoil the entire staff at Brink's was top notch. Their admin staff (shoutout to Marla) always picked up the phone when we called, answered our questions, and followed up when needed. Frank Abate was a pleasure to work with, as he ultimately helped navigate through the city approvals we needed to get the job approved. Finally, on the big day, when the job proved to be more difficult than expected, the team stayed ALL NIGHT to make sure it was done correctly to strict city specifications.We received our 'No Further Action' letter about a month and a half after the job was complete. I would 110% recommend Brink's Tank Services to anyone looking to remove a tank in the North NJ area. Any questions please reach out to me.