24/7 Emergency Services · Emergency Excavation NJ
24/7 emergency excavation and underground utility work in North Jersey.
Water main break repair, sewer main break repair, emergency sewer repair, fire hydrant repair and replacement, drainage failures, and sites that can't wait. JR Ramco is a 24/7 excavation contractor in North Jersey for municipalities, water utilities, GCs, property managers and commercial owners.
Emergency work we handle
The same services we run every day, available when something fails.
Emergency excavation
Excavating and earthwork to expose and repair what failed. See Excavating.
Water and sewer
Water main break repair, sewer main break repair and emergency sewer repair, done by our crews as part of our underground utilities work, including hydro-excavation.
Fire hydrant repair and replacement
Emergency hydrant damage, including knocked-over hydrants: we excavate, repair or replace the hydrant. Hydrant repair NJ and fire hydrant replacement for towns, utilities and property owners.
Drainage and stormwater
Failed drainage and stormwater systems. See Stormwater.
Lead service lines
Service line work from the main to the building. See Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR).
Trucking and hauling
Dump trucks to haul spoils and bring in material. See Hire a Truck.
Snow and ice
24/7 service and support through the storm. See Snow & Ice.
Demolition
Emergency demolition and concrete breakout. See Demolition & Concrete.
Machine hire with operator
Backhoe service with an operator. See Rent a Hoe.
Union shop
A highly trained, skilled and competent union workforce. See The Union Advantage.
Emergency mark-out
Emergency excavation and NJ One-Call
New Jersey's Underground Facility Protection Act (N.J.S.A. 48:2-73 et seq.) and the Board of Public Utilities rules at N.J.A.C. 14:2 set how excavators notify the One-Call center (811) before digging.
What counts as an emergency
"Any condition constituting a clear and present danger to life, health or property caused by the escape of any material or substance transported by means of an underground facility, or by the interruption of a vital communication or public service that requires immediate action" (N.J.A.C. 14:2-1.2).
The normal 3-business-day notice
Excavators must notify the One-Call center not less than three business days before digging, "except if the excavation or demolition is necessary because of an emergency" (N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.1).
Emergency notice to operators
The One-Call tariff provides an emergency notice to utility operators "indicating that a potential hazard to life and equipment exists and immediate action is required" (NJ One Call tariff).
Gas or hazardous liquid damage
If damage is caused or discovered on a gas or hazardous liquid line, "the excavator shall immediately call 911," then report to the operator (N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.6).
Water main breaks and boil water advisories
NJDEP says common reasons for a boil water advisory include "loss of pressure in the distribution system, loss of disinfection, detection of bacteria through sampling and other unexpected water quality problems," which "often result from other events such as water main breaks, treatment disruptions, power outages and floods" (NJDEP). The water utility and health agencies issue and lift advisories; our job is the excavation and repair work the utility directs.
Safe trenches, even in an emergency
OSHA requires that "each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system," with limited exceptions for stable rock or excavations under 5 feet deep cleared by a competent person (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652). Urgent work doesn't change that.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as an emergency for excavation in New Jersey?
Under N.J.A.C. 14:2-1.2, an emergency includes "any condition constituting a clear and present danger to life, health or property caused by the escape of any material or substance transported by means of an underground facility, or by the interruption of a vital communication or public service that requires immediate action," as well as conditions on a transportation right-of-way that create a risk to the public of potential injury or property damage. (source)
Do you still need a mark-out for emergency excavation?
Yes, you still notify the One-Call center. N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.1 sets the normal rule of notice not less than three business days before excavating, "except if the excavation or demolition is necessary because of an emergency." New Jersey's One-Call tariff provides an emergency notice to operators "indicating that a potential hazard to life and equipment exists and immediate action is required." (source)
What should happen if a gas line is hit during excavation?
N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.6 says that if an excavator causes or discovers damage to a line carrying natural gas or another hazardous liquid, "the excavator shall immediately call 911," then report the damage to the operator, and to 811 if the operator cannot be reached. (source)
Why do water main breaks lead to boil water advisories?
NJDEP explains that common reasons for a boil water advisory include "loss of pressure in the distribution system" and that these "often result from other events such as water main breaks, treatment disruptions, power outages and floods." Advisories are issued by the water utility or health agency, not the contractor. (source)
Is emergency trench work still held to OSHA rules?
Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652 requires that "each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system," except in stable rock or excavations less than 5 feet deep where a competent person finds no indication of a potential cave-in. (source)
What emergency work does JR Ramco handle?
Emergency excavation, water main break repair, sewer main break repair, emergency sewer repair, fire hydrant repair and replacement, and underground utility work including drainage and stormwater, hydro-excavation, lead service line work, trucking and hauling, demolition, plus snow and ice management. Call 973-317-4157.
Do you repair or replace damaged fire hydrants?
Yes. JR Ramco does fire hydrant repair and replacement, including emergency work on knocked-over or damaged hydrants, for municipalities, water utilities and property owners in North Jersey. Call 973-317-4157.
Who does JR Ramco work for in an emergency?
Municipalities, water utilities, general contractors, property managers and commercial owners across North Jersey.
Emergency on your site?
Call us 24/7. If gas is involved, call 911 first.
Sources
- N.J.A.C. 14:2-1.2, Definitions: "Emergency".
- N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.1, Notice of intent to excavate-timing: three business days, emergency exception.
- N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.6: damage reporting, call 911 for gas and hazardous liquid lines.
- One Call Concepts, Inc., B.P.U. No. 1 tariff (effective April 1, 2025), Section 5.3 Emergency Notice.
- NJDEP, Public Notification Frequently Asked Questions: boil water advisories.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems.
For utility owners
Underground utility work, done right where no one sees it. Gas, electric, water and sewer, for utility owners, pipeline operators and their prime contractors.
Utility Owners