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Drain & Sewer Line Help in Greater Lowell
One slow sink is a clog. Every drain backing up at once usually points to the main line out of the house. Call (000) 000-0000 or send the short form. We'll review your request and help you with the next step.
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Drains and sewer lines
Sewer, septic and the pipe in between
Greater Lowell is a mix. Lowell and much of Tewksbury send wastewater to the Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility, while Westford has no public sewer for homes, which rely on on-site septic systems. Many towns sit in between, with sewer on some streets and septic on others. Which one you have changes who you call and which rules apply.
- A single slow drain is usually a local clog in that fixture's line.
- Several drains at once, or water coming up through a floor drain, points to the main line leaving the house.
- Connecting to town sewer is its own project, with a sewer permit and, in some towns, a contractor approved by the sewer department.
Local rules
Sewer connections and sump pumps
Clearing a clog needs no permit. Massachusetts plumbing rules exempt clearing a stoppage and fixing a leak in a faucet or valve from the permit requirement; most other plumbing work needs a permit from the local inspector, issued only to a licensed plumber (248 CMR 3.05).
Sewer connections. In Tewksbury, a sewer connection needs a written permit, the house connection must be installed by a town-approved drain layer, and the old septic system must be decommissioned (Tewksbury sewer regulations, decommissioning). Tyngsborough requires sewer contractors to be licensed through its Sewer Department (Tyngsborough Sewer Department).
Sump pumps and foundation drains. Tewksbury's regulations prohibit connecting sump pumps, foundation drains and roof downspouts to the sanitary sewer, and Tyngsborough treats a sump pump discharging into the sewer as illegal. If an old basement setup ties a pump into the sewer, ask the plumber about rerouting it.
Septic homes. Title 5 requires a septic inspection when you sell, add a bedroom or change the use of the home, and only qualified inspectors may do it (state guide).
Last verified November 2026. Rules differ by town; check with your local sewer department or board of health before work starts.
FAQ
Drain and sewer questions
Does clearing a clogged drain need a permit?
No. Massachusetts plumbing rules list clearing a stoppage among the few jobs that don't need a permit. Replacing or relocating pipes and fixtures is different and does need one.
Do I need a special contractor to connect to town sewer?
In some towns, yes. Tewksbury issues sewer connection permits only to town-approved drain layers, and Tyngsborough requires sewer contractors to be licensed through its Sewer Department. Ask your town before you hire.
Can my sump pump drain into the sewer?
Not in Tewksbury or Tyngsborough. Tewksbury prohibits connecting sump pumps and foundation drains to the sanitary sewer, and Tyngsborough says discharging a sump pump into the sewer is illegal and may run smoke tests and house inspections and assess penalties.
My house is on septic. Who do I call?
A plumber handles the pipes inside the house up to the line out. Septic system inspections under Title 5 must be done by a qualified inspector, and your board of health approves upgrades and most repairs. We don't refer septic design or Title 5 inspections.
Is there a charge to use New England Plumbers?
No. The call and the referral are free to homeowners. Any estimate and any work are agreed directly between you and the contractor.
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