Most Common Water Main Issues
Water mains represent an essential aspect of our infrastructure: they deliver fresh water to residences, businesses, and communities. We don’t think about them because they work so smoothly, until they don’t.
Why do water mains fail? What can be done to prevent these costly and disruptive situations?
How Water Distribution Systems Work
To understand why water mains fail, it helps to know how water systems are built. City water systems are made up of interconnected parts, each with a specific job. Large transmission lines carry water from its source over long distances. These lines then supply smaller pipes that deliver water directly to homes and businesses.
Valves control the flow and pressure, water towers store water for later use, and gravity helps maintain steady pressure throughout the system.
The Most Common Water Main Issues
Water mains do not just fail randomly. There is always a reason, and it usually falls into one of the following categories:
1. Old Pipes, Bad Materials
Pipes made prior to 1980 and brittle materials such as clay and cast iron can break due to pressure. Newer materials like ductile iron, C-900 plastic, and HDPE are flexible, stronger, and have greater resistance to corrosion and are much better to utilize to avoid potential failures in the future.
2. Damage From Digging and Construction
Construction equipment and even minor projects like putting in a tree can break a pipe. Before construction, it is always suggested to call utility companies before digging to prevent costly breaks.
3. Pressure Changes and Thermal Expansion
Freezing soil groundwater from pressure change can break a pipe with each occurrence. Going from one extreme of temperature to another or thawing can weaken pipes alongside pipes that are damaged. Water hammer (caused from opening or closing a valve too quickly) can also lead to failure.
4. Ground Movement and Settling
Movement of the ground, road and soil erosion, and/or minor earthquakes put extreme pressure on buried pipes. Loose or sandy soil conditions will naturally place the pipe in a stress situation. A city may typically see sinking roads and sidewalks as a sign.
5. Corrosive Soils and Pipe Corrosion
Metal pipes (i.e., cast iron or steel) can corrode in acidic soils. Non-corrosive materials, such as C-900 plastic, or wrapping existing pipes with protective material, can help prevent this type of damage.
Recognizing the Signs of a Water Main Issue
Water main issues can be hard to detect. Here are some signs to look out for:
Inside Your Home
- Low water pressure
- Rusty or discolored water
- Pooling water in your basement
Outside Your Home
- Water gushing out of the ground
- Sinking roads or sidewalks
- Wet, soggy patches of grass (when it is not raining)
Fixing and Preventing Water Main Problems
Nobody wants to deal with a water main break. It’s messy, expensive, and disruptive. The good news? There are plenty of ways to fix problems and, even better, prevent them from happening in the first place.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections allow the opportunity to catch weak or aging pipes prior to breaking, and municipalities and utilities typically have surveys of pipe conditions and surrounding environmental causes.
Switching to Better Materials
When old cast iron or clay pipes break, replace them with ductile iron or C-900 plastic to lessen the risk of future breaks.
Smarter Repair Methods
Trenchless technologies allow crews to repair or replace pipes without ripping the streets up, making it quicker, less disruptive, and less expensive.
Emergency Response Plans
When a water main breaks and flood water starts to roll down the street, act quickly to minimize damage:
- Limit water use: Until repairs are made, do not drink tap water or run washing machines or dishwashers.
- Flush your pipes: Run your taps until the water runs clear (this gets debris and air out of your system.
- Listen for boil alerts: A break can contaminate your water supply. If you receive a boil alert, boil your water for five minutes before consuming or using it.
Real-World Examples of Water Main Issues
Water main breaks are an ever-present threat, particularly in large urban areas. In 2020, a water main break in Manhattan flooded entire streets and caused traffic jams for miles.
But some areas are finding solutions. For example, one town in Texas replaced its cast iron pipes with ductile iron piping and lowered its water losses by 30 percent. This demonstrates how proactive action can seriously impact the percentage of water lost through main audits and fixing its problems.
Preventing Future Problems
Many of us don’t actually think about water mains until there is an issue, but they are critical for the continuous delivery of water to our houses and communities. Water main failures are mostly the result of aged pipes, corrosion, or ground settling, and in most cases a bit of maintenance would prevent it. Water mains management is more than repair— it’s about supplying everyone with clean, reliable water for years to come. Pretty straight forward, right?
