Salt Lake City

Public Utilities

Customer Service: (801) 483-6900 | Report Emergency: (801) 483-6700

SLCDPU explains water main breaks

Learn more about water main breaks

Water main breaks are common in water systems all over the country. A water main break occurs when a crack or hole in the water main (the central pipes in Salt Lake City’s water system which form our water distribution network) allow water to seep to the surface.

In addition to valves, fire hydrants, and other associated fixtures, Salt Lake City’s water distribution network is comprised of 1,324 miles of pipe. While we continuously work to replace aging infrastructure, about 15 percent of our water pipes are around 100 years old. Regular maintenance helps us to support that aging infrastructure and to manage our upgrade and repair requirements. Despite our best efforts, conditions outside of our control also impact our system.

We maintain a record of water main breaks over recent years. The number of water main breaks can help us to understand some of the contributing factors. The monthly average number of water main breaks in 2023-2024 was the lowest since 2016-2017. This indicates that our team is doing a great job of repairing and replacing the aging infrastructure to prevent breaks before they occur.

The rate for water main breaks tends to increase in the summer and winter months. The average number of water main breaks is typically higher in the winter than in the summer. For example, when a cold snap hits after unusually warm fall or winter weather, the drastic drop in temperature causes the ground to contract, which can stress some of our main water pipes. This sudden change in surrounding pressure can lead to cracks or other flaws in the pipe, allowing the water to escape. SLCDPU’s maintenance crews are familiar with this cycle. With the changes of season, we gear up to respond to main breaks.

There are many factors which can contribute to water main breaks. We’ve listed a few of the most common ones below. Sometimes multiple minor issues can combine to trigger a break.

  • Aging infrastructure (however, some of our oldest pipes are actually our best)
  • Spikes in high water flow and pressure within a small area
  • Heavy construction nearby
  • Corrosive soil/environmental interactions with metal pipes
  • Geological changes, such as ground shifts or even earthquakes
  • Utility work occurring “upstream” of the break

Our maintenance crews are excellent when it comes to responding to emergency water main breaks. Repairing water mains can be complex. To begin, we must diagnose and isolate the break. Depending on the size and location, it can take some time to find the actual source of the break. Before we start excavation or underground repairs, we must also consult with Blue Stakes. We want to confirm that the area where we dig is safe and we want to be aware of other utilities in the area, so we don’t cause further damage. From that point, we’ll get to work on repairs. It is our goal to complete repairs as quickly and as safely as possible. We’re not always able to estimate a repair time, but restoring service is our top priority.

Share "SLCDPU explains water main breaks" to your social network: