When a water main burst occurs it’s more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to significant disruptions and challenges for your entire community, since these vital arteries ensure that our homes and businesses have the water they need to function.
Here in the Phoenix Valley, our harsh desert climate and unique geological factors can put additional strain on our infrastructure, making water main bursts especially challenging. So understanding what causes these breaks is crucial for preventing future damage and the dependability of our water supply.
In today’s blog, the experienced plumbers at Rainforest Plumbing & Air will explore the most common causes of water main breaks that we’ve seen in our 25 years serving Phoenix and the surrounding areas. From recognizing the signs of a break, to consequences and solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Read on!
Common Causes Of A Water Main Burst
Unfortunately a water main line burst is not uncommon. These pipes are under extreme pressure at all times, and holes or cracks can easily grow and cause catastrophic damage to your lawn, basement and more! Here are the most common causes that we’ve come across.
- Extreme Temperatures
You probably would have guessed this one. Our extreme desert heat does no favors for our plumbing infrastructure. The hot, dry air during the day paired with cooler air at night (and even the occasional, very rare cold snap) can cause the ground shift and the pipes within to expand and contract, eventually weakening their integrity.
- Aging Infrastructure
Old, corroding pipes are a common problem in more established neighborhoods. As the material corrodes, the integrity of the pipe is diminished which can result in cracking. When left unattended, these cracks result in major leaks and potential property damage.
- High Water Pressure
High water pressure can put stress on water main pipes, weakening them over time. This constant strain can cause fractures, particularly in older or already compromised pipes.
- Ground Movement
Ground movement from soil settling or construction can shift and stress water main lines, leading to breaks. For example, soil settling after periods of drought (those darn desert geo factors again), can cause the ground to shift putting pressure on pipes.
Additionally, the vibration from digging or other construction activities can disturb the ground and directly impact the stability of surrounding water main lines.
- Improper Installation
Incorrect installation or failure to follow material specifications can compromise the integrity of your water main right from the start. Improper pipe bedding or poor joint connections can create weak points in the line that are more susceptible to pressure changes. Over time, these seemingly small flaws can lead to full scale breaks and water damage.
Recognizing The Warning Signs of a Water Main Burst
Our team has seen it all when it comes to identifying water main issues.
Decreased Water Pressure
If you’re experiencing a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home, there could be a leak in your main line affecting not just your home, but your neighbors as well. Call the experienced plumbers at Rainforest Plumbing & Air for your leak detection service.
Cracks & Leaks
Like we alluded to above, cracks and leaks are pretty common in water main lines due to the constant pressure. Cracks and leaks are also extremely hard to identify until it’s too late, as they are typically hidden below concrete slabs or under sod. If you start to notice pooling water on your lawn, that’s a pretty good indication something is a miss, so call us right away.
Temperature Mixing Issues
If you’re experiencing cold water in one area of your home, but hot water everywhere else, this could mean your hot water is leaking into the ground before it makes it to that fixture, or area. This is a clear sign that there is a stress fracture somewhere along the line.
Call Rainforest Plumbing & Air Right Away!
When it comes to water main line repair, Rainforest Plumbing & Air is the Phoenix Valley’s preferred choice for efficient, trusted service. Here’s what you can expect when you call us in:
What To Expect
Every repair starts diagnosing the issue. Your personal, trained plumber will locate the source of the issue by turning off the water to all your fixtures and checking to see if your water meter is still showing water flow. From there they will have a better idea of whether it’s a line break and will then deliver you a comprehensive quote best suited to your needs.
Due to the urgency of water main line repair, we guarantee to have your quote delivered to you on the spot! All recommendations are thoroughly explained and consider the condition and age of your plumbing system, as well as your home’s foundation and any local building regulations.
Finally, with Rainforest’s Up-Front Guarantee you can rest assured that the price you’re quoted is the price you pay, no surprise or hidden fees along the way.
We’re proud to offer same-day, 24/7 emergency water main line repair service and once your quote is approved we can get right to work. Depending on the severity of the issue, your repair could take 1-2 days or longer. But you will always be fully informed on the scope of work before we begin.
Due to the excavation work typically involved, one or more technicians may be on site at any one time to ensure a clean, functional and safe work environment.
Our team will keep you updated every step of the way, from excavation, to internal patching and repair, to final backfill and cleanup you will always know what we’re doing and how it’s going. And with our exclusive Put Back Policy, we guarantee that when we’re done, we’ll leave your space even better than we found it.
Ongoing, Preventative Maintenance
Once your water supply is back up and running, ensure it stays that way with regular plumbing inspections from our team and our exclusive Cabana Club Membership.
For a low monthly fee, we will preschedule all your annual plumbing services, including water main line inspections, so you don’t have to worry about the durability of your water supply. We’re also proud to offer priority service and annual water savings and efficiency reports that will help keep you informed and protect against future failures and repairs.
Understanding the causes of water main line breaks is essential for preventing future disruptions and safeguarding your water supply. Whether it’s due to high pressure or installation errors, being prepared and proactive can save you money and headaches down the line.
We hope that this blog was helpful, should you have any additional questions about water main line repair, check out our FAQ section below or give one of our friendly plumbers a call, we’re standing by and here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Main Repair
How much does water main repair cost?
Repair costs greatly depend on the severity and complexity of each job. Contact us today for your personalized, transparent quote.
How long does water main repair take?
As with the cost, the time it takes to repair your water main line depends on the severity and complexity of the issue. At Rainforest Plumbing & Air we provide an all encompassing repair service, from excavation, to repair and cleanup we ensure all steps are done properly and to industry standard. But you will always be fully briefed on the scope of work before any work begins.
How do I know if I need a water main line repair?
Common signs include low water pressure, temperature issues, standing or pooling water and cracks in your foundation. Make sure to call our experienced team right away if you notice one or more of these issues.
