A water main break is when a large underground pipe that carries water through a city or town develops a crack or hole, causing water to leak or gush out of the pipe
. These pipes, called water mains, usually run under streets and sidewalks and are part of the system that delivers water from the source to homes and businesses
. When a break occurs, water continuously flows out due to pressure inside the pipe, which can lead to flooding, erosion of soil and roads, sinkholes, and traffic problems
. Despite the break, water often continues to flow in the system but with reduced pressure, so residents may notice low water pressure or slow flow rather than a complete loss of water
. Water main breaks are caused by various factors including:
- Age and corrosion of pipes
- Ground movement due to temperature changes causing expansion and contraction
- Sudden changes in water pressure
- Construction activities
- Extreme weather conditions like freezing and thawing cycles
Repairing a water main break involves locating and excavating the damaged pipe, rerouting water to minimize service disruption, fixing or replacing the broken section, disinfecting and flushing the pipe, and restoring the road or sidewalk above
. Repairs can take from several hours to days depending on the severity. In summary, a water main break is a failure in a major water pipe underground that causes water leakage, potentially leading to service disruptions and property damage, and requires prompt repair by water utility crews
