Water Main Breaks & Leaks

Water main breaks can occur at any time of year but are more likely to occur in the winter. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see a rash of water main breaks in bitterly cold weather. As the water temperature dips below 39 degrees, the water inside the underground pipe expands and causes an increase in pressure within the pipe. When the pressure gets too high, the pipe can rupture. Until the water temperature leaving our plant gets closer to 39 degrees, we expect to continue to see a spike in the number of breaks.

While the temperature on the thermometer drops outside, the temperature of the water flowing through the pipes is typically warmer. It’s when the water temperature begins falling that things have a greater chance of springing a leak. Water’s maximum density is 39 degrees, and once it reaches that temperature, the water molecules start to expand. That creates pressure on the pipes- up to hundreds of pounds of pressure!

Another factor in how many main breaks CUB Water experiences during winter is ground temperature. Think of the ground that surrounds the water main as a “blanket” that provides insulation. A cycle of freezing and thawing leads to friction in the earth and can cause the pipes to shift. The material of the pipe also makes a difference. CUB’s Water’s distribution water mains (those smaller than 16 inches in diameter) are a combination of either ductile iron or cast iron. We’ve found that cast iron pipes can break more easily. The temperature drops and swings intensify existing “weak spots” which can lead to breaks.

Our Customer Service Center is not receiving the high volume of calls from customers with frozen pipes inside their homes. Still, when we receive a customer’s report of no water, we investigate by visiting the home or business to inspect our mains and meters. For a majority, the water lines or pipes that freeze are on the customer’s property.

Unfortunately, the nature of a water main break almost always affects some customers because, typically, you have to valve off the waterline to make the repair. During those instances, we ask that those affected remain patient as repairs are performed effectively and thoroughly. The CUB Water Crews are working as quickly as they can to repair the water main both safely and correctly.