Common Causes Of A Water Main Leak

When a water main leak occurs somewhere along the line in a town or city's water system, it can put a big dent in the budget if it isn't repaired quickly. A smaller water main leak can turn into a full blown break and costly situation if an effective plan isn't in place. Hiring a company before trouble happens for overall water main valve management and water main leak detection will often find problems along the line before the water starts leaking out. Water main leak detection services use sophisticated equipment to get right into the pipes and locate the source of the problem. They can also usually pinpoint the cause of the problem, which allows for proper repair and effective water main valve management.

Water main leaks and breaks have a handful of common causes, all of which can be identified and repaired through effective water main leak detection. Corrosion on the exterior of older pipes makes the metal break down and eventually creates small holes in certain types of pipes. Once a water main leak has started, the resulting moisture levels can make the situation even worse. This is one situation where water main leak detection is an invaluable tool, so the pipes can be repaired before the problem becomes massive. If a good water main valve management program isn't in place, the piping could end up collapsing which could cause massive damage to the entire system.

In some areas the pipe walls in various parts of the system may be thinner than others, which is another common cause of a water main leak. Some older water mains were constructed with thinner piping than more contemporary lines, and these areas are also more prone to leaks or breaks. Your water main valve management team can check the entire system to determine the health of the pipes before one of the thinner pipes starts to leak.

Water main leak detection is extra important in the winter months, as the soil that surrounds pipes tends to expand and create force on the water main. The number of water main breaks is generally higher during the winter in colder areas, but strong water main valve management can still keep any damage to a minimum and even stop much of it before it starts. Some other causes of a water main leak include poor workmanship or manufacturing processes, the depth of the pipes themselves, high water pressure, seismic activity or other underground disturbances.

Although a water main leak can be a serious problem, taking the steps to prevent them and limit damage through a comprehensive water main leak detection program helps ensure any damage is limited. It is wise for city planners and engineers to factor in the value of a water main valve management system when creating city budgets and plans. A really bad break can cause chaos and affect thousands of citizens, and prevention is always the best response.

----------------------------------------------------
The leading provider of water distribution system asset management for water main valve management.
http://www.wachsws.com/

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=240434