Communities deal with water main breaks every year, and having a dedicated response unit, plan and the right tools are essential for minimal distribution system interruption. In this article, we’ll explore some of the leading causes of main breaks, common tools used for fixing them and an assortment of protective equipment.

Understanding Main Breaks

Simply put, a water main break is any instance where water is escaping a water main pipe in an unintended way. This can be due to ground settling, root ingress, freeze-thaw cycles breaking pipes, or a seismic event shifting the earth.

Other causes of main breaks include uninformed or illegal digging, incorrectly installing a gasket or repair clamp, or a compromised pipe finally giving way. No matter the cause, timely repairs and response are critical to providing uninterrupted customer service.

Professionals in the industry know that a main break can happen at any time and is unpredictable and irregular. The first sign of a broken water main is usually a customer calling about low water pressure, excess water in the street, or seeing water come up through the ground. Regardless of the cause, water main breaks are best handled with quick, decisive action to mitigate any interruption to service.

Making a Plan

Having an action response plan is key to getting the right tools, resources, and people to address main breaks. Depending on the size and severity of the break, a plan can reduce the number of hours or equipment needed in case of an emergency or widespread breakage.

For smaller, localized breaks, the response can be more streamlined, with fewer resources required. However, in the case of widespread or severe breaks, the plan should include provisions for mobilizing larger teams, additional equipment, and backup resources.

The plan must also prioritize communication between teams and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is informed of the situation, progress, and potential impacts.

Many states and local governments provide response plan details like this one hosted by the State of Washington.

Water Main Break Tools and Response Equipment

Though the tools and equipment needed for a water main fix may vary, you can use the resources below to give your team the products they need to respond efficiently. Not all tools that could be needed are included here; this information should be used as a general guide.

Underground Locators

If a break happens in a densely populated or developed area, there’s probably more than just a water main pipe buried underneath the street. Before your team starts digging and moving earth to access the break, make a quick pass of the area with an underground locator (if available) to ensure your team doesn’t impact other utilities while fixing the break.

A Shoenstedt wireless handheld locator can quickly identify underground utilities and pipes without causing undue stress or significant time losses before repairing a broken main.

Repair Clamps

The bread and butter of fixing main breaks, repair clamps are tightened around the break to prevent further leakage. Repair clamps are used as temporary fixes and should be removed when the broken pipe is replaced. If a clamp is in good condition, it can be re-used for future fixes. Check the rubber gasket for any rips or tears before reusing the clamp.

Repair clamps come in a variety of sizes, and their effectiveness depends on the correct size. Be sure to confirm or measure the size of the pipe you’re fixing before selecting your repair clamp. It’s smart to have multiple sizes stocked in your facility to quickly address any breaks in your water distribution system.

Torque Wrench

Though it might be tempting to use an impact wrench to get the job done, overtightening a clamp can lead to bigger issues down the line. After hand-tightening the nuts on the repair clamp, set the torque on your calibrated wrench and tighten to spec. You don’t want to be the one to crack a PVC pipe even further!

Trash Pump

A high-quality trash pump goes a long way in making life in the trenches easier. Look for a pump that can handle solids or debris that might be churned up by water eroding the surrounding soil. These pumps quickly disperse excess water and give your team a cleaner environment to fix a main break.

Waterproof Gloves & Waders

Breaks often happen during the winter, which is why it’s important to gear up with work gear that will keep you warm and dry. High-quality waterproof gloves and rubber waders with thick lining will go a long way in ensuring comfort during the worst weather of the year.

Concrete Cutter, Gas or Handheld Saw

One of the first steps in addressing a pipe break is getting to it. Utilizing a concrete saw to break through asphalt or concrete is the quickest and easiest way to get under the road surface and into the break.

If repairing a break on ductile iron or thick-walled PVC pipe, it's common to use a gas-powered chainsaw with PowerGrit chains to quickly cut through tough materials. 

If you’re dealing with a break that can’t be fixed with a clamp, a PVC pipe cutting saw can be employed to quickly cut through the pipe so you can start the replacement process. These saws are long-lasting but can wear out, so it’s important to keep them sharp and ready for use in the field.

Backhoe or Excavator

If you’ve got space, a backhoe or excavator can’t be beat for getting to a pipe break quickly. Not only do these machines keep you out of the path of water, but they also quickly move dirt and break through road surfaces to expose the leak. 

Are you prepared for water main breaks?

A well-prepared and efficient response to a water main break is crucial for minimizing service disruption and damage. With the right equipment and a solid action plan, response teams can handle emergencies quickly and effectively, ensuring that repairs are completed with minimal impact on the community.

Regularly updating tools, training, and procedures will help maintain operational readiness, while investing in high-quality equipment ensures that teams are equipped to handle a variety of situations. Proactive preparation is essential for addressing water main breaks efficiently, reducing repair costs, and maintaining public trust.

Curious about what products and programs can help address water main breaks? Start a conversation with your local Supply account manager.