Water main breaks can occur unexpectedly, disrupting water supply and potentially causing damage to infrastructure and property. Dealing with a water main break can be a challenging and concerning experience for any homeowner or Indiana resident.
Knowing what steps to take in response to a water main break can help minimize the impact and facilitate a quicker resolution. At Indiana American Water, we understand the importance of knowing how to handle such situations and want to help prepare you to do so.
From recognizing the signs of a water main break to contacting the appropriate authorities for assistance, we’ll provide you with the essential information you need to address a water main break in your neighborhood in this blog. Stay informed and prepared to tackle water main breaks with confidence with Indiana American Water by your side.
Contact us today via our emergency report form to report a water main break near you.
4 Reasons Why Water Main Breaks Occur
Water main breaks can be disruptive and inconvenient, but understanding why they happen can help communities prepare for the worst-case scenario and prevent future incidents.
Here are four common causes of water main breaks:
- Age and Deterioration: Many water mains across the country are aging, with some pipes dating back decades. Over time, these pipes can deteriorate due to wear and tear, leading to weaknesses and vulnerabilities that increase the likelihood of breaks.
- Ground Shifting or Settling: Changes in the ground around a water main, such as shifting or settling, can exert pressure on the system, causing it to crack or rupture. This can occur due to natural geological processes, construction activities, or even changes in soil moisture levels.
- Freezing and Thawing Cycles: In colder seasons like the harsh winters we experience in Indiana, freezing and thawing cycles can take a toll on water mains. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction can weaken the pipe, making it more susceptible to breaks.
- Corrosion: Corrosion is another significant factor contributing to water main breaks, especially in older pipes made of materials prone to corrosion, such as iron or steel. Corrosion can eat away at the pipe walls, compromising their structural integrity and leading to leaks and breaks.
Understanding the root cause of breaks can help you understand how a break must be repaired.
Signs of a Water Main Break
Detecting a water main break early can help minimize damage and ensure a prompt resolution.
Here are some signs citizens in your community need to watch for:
Sudden Decrease in Water Pressure
If you notice a significant drop in water pressure when using faucets or showers, it could indicate a water main break nearby.
Puddles or Standing Water in Yard
Keep an eye out for puddles or standing water in your yard, especially if they appear suddenly and without any apparent cause such as heavy rain. This could indicate a leak in the water main or your service line below ground.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact your local water utility provider such as Indiana American Water to report the issue and seek assistance. We can access the water main and shut off valves to stop the spread of water and get to work completing the repair. If there’s a leak in your home, you most likely need to locate the main water shut-off valve.
By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help minimize the impact of water main or service line breaks on your community.
What to Do After a Water Main Break
So, you’ve identified a water main break outside your home. What do you do now? You must act as fast as possible to minimize damage and get your water supply system back up and running.
Here are 4 steps to take when you find a water main break.
Step 1: Report Water Main Break to Your Local Utility Provider
As soon as you become aware of a water main break, contact your local utility provider, such as Indiana American Water, to report the issue. Provide us with details about the location and severity of the break so we can dispatch a crew to assess and repair the damage promptly.
You can report a break to our experienced team via our online emergency report form. You can also check to see if a report has already been filed in your area with our convenient water alerts.
Step 2: Limit Water Usage
During a water main break, it’s essential to conserve water to reduce strain on the system and prevent further disruptions. Avoid using large amounts of water for activities such as watering the lawn, washing dishes, or doing laundry until the break is repaired.
In most cases, once Indiana American Water arrives on the scene, we’ll shut the water off to prevent a more widespread leak so you won’t be able to use your plumbing until our repairs are complete.
Step 3: Follow Boil Water Advisories
In many cases, a water main break may result in a boil water advisory being issued for affected areas. If you receive a boil water advisory, follow the instructions provided by your local health department or utility provider.
It’s important to note there is a big difference between a boil advisory and a boil order. A boil advisory is a precautionary measure issued when water contamination is suspected, while a boil order is a mandatory directive issued when water testing confirms contamination or is suspected. Boiling water before consumption can help ensure it is safe to drink and free from harmful bacteria.
Step 4: Flush Your Pipes
After the water main break has been repaired and water service is restored, it’s important to flush your pipes to remove any sediment or contaminants that may have entered the system during the repair process. Run all cold-water faucets for a few minutes until the water runs clear and without air bubbles. Also, consider flushing your hot water tank.
By following these steps, you can help minimize the impact of a water main break on your home and ensure safe drinking water for your family.
Contact Indiana American Water Today
Contact Indiana American Water today if you suspect a water main break or have any concerns about your water supply.
Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support to address any issues, including water main breaks. Visit the71percent.org to learn more about the importance of proper water infrastructure and how Indiana American Water serves our customers beyond the bill.