The water service supplying a property spends its life underground, but that does not make it immune to damage.
There is rarely one universal answer to what causes a water main to break. Pipe material, age, ground conditions, movement, corrosion and physical damage can all play a role.
Understanding the cause is important because the condition of the rest of the line can influence whether repairing one section or replacing more of the water service makes sense.
Age and Deterioration
Water lines do not last indefinitely.
As a pipe ages, its condition can deteriorate. The rate at which this happens depends on the pipe material, installation, surrounding conditions and other factors.
An older line that has already experienced multiple failures deserves a different assessment than a relatively new pipe with isolated damage.
Corrosion
Some piping materials can deteriorate through corrosion.
As the pipe deteriorates, it may become more vulnerable to leaks or failure. The condition of the surrounding line should therefore be considered when a damaged section is uncovered.
Ground Movement
Water lines are buried in soil that can shift over time.
Ground settlement and other movement can place stress on underground piping and connections. If enough stress develops, a vulnerable section can crack, separate or begin leaking.
Freezing Conditions
Cold weather can create problems for water lines when piping is exposed to freezing conditions.
Water expands when it freezes, and vulnerable plumbing can be damaged by the resulting pressure. Proper installation and burial are therefore important considerations in colder climates.
Physical Damage
Underground water services can also be damaged during excavation, construction and other work around a property.
Knowing where underground services are located before digging is important whenever work is planned around buried utilities.
Installation Problems
The performance of a water line also depends on how it was originally installed.
Pipe material, connections, support and installation conditions can all influence long-term performance.
Is the Cause Important When Repairing the Line?
Yes.
Repairing the visible break solves the immediate problem, but understanding why it failed can help determine whether an isolated repair is appropriate.
If a line is deteriorating throughout, repeatedly repairing individual failures may not make sense indefinitely.
Stillwater provides water line repair in Kamloops and can assess whether the condition calls for repair or replacement.
For a closer look at those two options, read water main repair vs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Age can be a factor, but condition is more important than age alone. Pipe material, installation and surrounding conditions also affect longevity.
Ground movement can place stress on buried piping and may contribute to cracking or separation.
Yes. Excavation and other work around underground services can cause physical damage.
Not necessarily. An isolated problem may be repairable. The overall condition and history of the line should be considered.
Water Main Repair vs Replacement: How to Decide
