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1. What are water main breaks?

Water breaks are failures of distribution pipes that occur at any time without warning. They happen when cracks form or sections of the pipe blow out with huge amounts of water loss and pressure, affecting residents.

2. What kind of distribution pipes are there?

Water distribution mains range from sizes of 16 inches to 4 inches. They are typically constructed of iron; either lined or unlined.

• Unlined pipe was the usual type of water main installed pre 1950s. Although strong, iron will rust and form tuberculation (seen in picture). Tuberculation will get so thick that it will restrict water flow and weaken the pipe. There are still sections of Amesbury with cast iron pipe serving the distribution system over a hundred years old. These are the common types of water breaks,
• Lined pipes are a stronger version of cast iron called ductile. Ductile lined pipes are lined inside with a thin layer of cement to prevent corrosion. The outside is coated with an asphalt product to protect it. Ductile iron pipe is the standard pipe installed today.

3. Why do water breaks occur?

Due to the age of old unlined cast iron pipe, it is only a matter of time before a crack forms or a weakened section gives out. Pressure in the distribution system varies greatly which leads to more water breaks in those areas. Ductile iron pipes are not foolproof either. Due to inherent flaws in the pipe or bad underground conditions where the pipe is installed; these pipes can fail too.

4. When do water breaks occur?

Water breaks happen at any time and seem to inconveniently happen on off hours and holidays. There are no warning sign, which unfortunately means there can’t much notification beforehand.