Winter is one of the most destructive seasons when it comes to plumbing hazards for Warrenville residents. The freeze-thaw cycle caused by the wide temperature swings puts added stress on underground plumbing components, such as water mains. Below, we’ll dive into how this stress can cause water main breaks in Warrenville and what you should do if it does.
Ground Frost During Freezes
When the temperatures dip below freezing, the moisture in the soil will begin to freeze up. When the soil is frozen, it expands, a phenomenon known as ground frost. This natural expansion can apply excess pressure to buried underground water lines. As it squeezes the water line, the piping can distort, leading to breaks. Additionally, this can cause a frozen main line in Warrenville.
Soil Contraction During Thaws
Another contributor to these major plumbing emergencies in IL is soil contraction during thaw periods of the winter season. As the temperature outside rises, the frozen soil will begin to thaw. This will suddenly pull the soil away from the pipe, altering its overall support structure. Pipes that were just under extreme stress due to the ground frost are now experiencing sudden movements. This movement, combined with the previous stressing of the pipe’s walls, can lead to breaking.
Aging Infrastructure
One other contributor to keep in mind is that the aging infrastructure of Warrenville can add to the compounding problem of the freeze-thaw cycle. Many of the water mains for area residents are constructed out of cast iron or ductile iron. These plumbing materials have been out of service for decades due to their excessive corrosiveness and brittleness.
The Early Warning Signs of a Water Main Break
There’s no doubt that water main breaks can develop slowly over time. As a homeowner, it can be helpful to recognize the early warning signs of a water main break so that you can seek professional assistance. You never want to ignore these warning signs, as doing so could lead to extensive damage in a short time.
Water Pressure Fluctuations
One of the first signs of a water main break is a sudden pressure fluctuation. You may notice that your shower or faucet is losing water pressure. If you notice the problem affects all your plumbing fixtures, it indicates a problem with the main water line rather than specific areas of your home’s plumbing system.
These pressure drops will typically be more common during the busier hours of the day when most homeowners are using their plumbing system, like near dinnertime. If you experience low water pressure that doesn’t return to normal, it’s also an indicator of a major water main leak.
Discolored or Cloudy Water
Another sign of a potential water main malfunction is discolored or cloudy water. This discoloration is typically caused by sediment stirred up in the water line by a crack or a sudden pressure shift. It’s best to avoid using this water until the water main line can be properly repaired.
Water Pooling
Another potential sign of a water main break is water pooling. You may notice water puddling on your lawn or near the street. If you see water still moving during freezing temperatures, it often indicates an underground leak. If there’s snow on the ground, it becomes easier to notice these unusual patches of melted snow over underground main water leaks.
What to Do if You Suspect a Leak
If you suspect that there’s a water main break in your town, it’s important to contact your local city or water provider immediately. Because water mains are public infrastructure, only municipal contractors can perform authorized repair service on them. Keep in mind that sediment intrusion can occur in water when a water main breaks.
For these reasons, it’s important to avoid running most of your home’s plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances. This will help prevent that sediment from building up inside your water lines or inside your appliances.
Reliable Plumbing Repair Service
Journeymen Plumbing provides reliable plumbing repair service for Warrenville, IL residents. We can also help with your water heater, sump pump, and inspection needs. Just call our office today to book your next service appointment with one of our skillful plumbers.
