Principal Causes and Remedies of Water Main Breaks

Abstract

This article discusses different causes of main breaks including inadequate design, improper installation, surge or water hammer, soil movement, internal corrosion, external corrosion, temperature differential, manufacturing defects, impact, or a combination of any the above. There are 40 known types of corrosion, with the combination of soil movement and corrosion being the major cause of main failure. Most breaks can be prevented by proper design, installation, and protection from corrosion and expansive clay.