It's a given that the frequency of water main breaks will increase when there is an abrupt change in the weather. All materials, including water pipes, expand or contract in reaction to temperature changes, and vulnerable pipes break in the process. Even though they should come as no surprise, they are still an unpleasant occurrence.
Adding to natural contraction and expansion is the pressure of frozen ground pressing on the pipes. Types of pipes react differently. Older pipes are often made of cast iron, which is brittle compared to newer pipes of ductile iron, which is stronger and more flexible. The Department of Public Utilities strives to stay ahead of the breaks by replacing as much cast iron piping as possible each year in the 1,200 miles of water line we maintain throughout the city.

Water main breaks often start with just a small leak, bubbling up through the concrete, and can quickly or slowly advance to lifting large sections of the street up and flooding the street. Another factor that can escalate a leak is the amount of traffic on the street or reverberations from nearby construction.

If you come to a flooded street, do not drive through the water, as the concrete underneath is probably damaged and cracked, and could do damage to your vehicle. While we work on repairing the break, the water service to the surrounding streets will be temporarily turned off. Our crews work diligently to ensure minimal impact and outage.
You can help by reporting any spouting water you see coming through concrete on the street to 804-646-4646.