Water mains are crucial to our daily water intake, carrying clean water to our homes and businesses, simultaneously managing wastewater disposal.
Over time, these channels experience wear and tear from delivering water from one place to another. Eventually, the water mains must be replaced for optimum performance.
The question is, why do water mains need to be replaced? Let’s break down the multiple reasons water mains necessitate replacement.
Age and Material Degradation:
Naturally, water mains age with time and endure degradation of materials. Made from materials including cast iron, clay, and even outdated materials such as lead, water mains deteriorate, resulting in cracks, corrosion, and structural weaknesses. Not only does this pose a threat to the integrity of the water main, but also to the safety and health of the public due to contamination and leakage.
Increasing Frequency of Repairs:
As water mains age, they tend to require more repairs. Persistent leaks, bursts, and other malfunctions become more common. This aging can lead to disruptions in water supply, property damage, and costly repairs.
Water main repairs can treat immediate issues, but are often a temporary solution for a bigger, underlying problem within the system. Eventually, replacement is a more cost-effective option as opposed to continuous repairs.
Changing Infrastructure Needs:
As communities grow, their infrastructure needs increase as well. Aging water mains may be unable to keep up with an increasing water demand or changes in population density. Innovations in technology and engineering standards now require modernization of water mains to ensure efficiency, reliability, and safety. Not only does this improve the performance of the water main, but also ensures the sustainability of water supply for the future.
Preventing Catastrophic Failures:
Proper maintenance of water mains is crucial for the health and safety of the public. A rupture in a water main can lead to water outages, property damage, and other hazards leading to expensive emergency repairs. Proactively replacing aging or deteriorating water mains is essential for preventing potential dangers and safeguarding the well-being of communities.
Addressing Sewer Water Main Integration:
Often, water mains are in close conjunction with sewer systems, sharing common trenches or corridors. The degradation of sewer water mains can intensify the deterioration of nearby water mains, making it important to consider the condition of surrounding water systems prior to replacement.
When sewer water main integration is properly executed, there is a reduced risk for cross-contamination between sewer and water lines, which has the potential to cause waterborne diseases. This process also helps minimize the risk for leaks, spills, and pollution.
There are a variety of reasons as to why water mains need to be replaced, mainly due to age-related corrosion, frequent repairs, infrastructural requirements, and health and safety concerns. By implementing new water mains and utilizing modern engineering strategies, communities will better sustain their water supply systems for a safer future.
Is your home in need of a water line repair or replacement? Contact us to schedule your appointment today.