Cracks in water lines happen for a wide variety of reasons, most of which are related to the age and material of the pipe in question. As all materials age over time, broken pipes are a normal part of any operating water utility. Nevertheless, proper pipe repair and replacement procedures are necessary for ensuring uninterrupted service for the customers and efficiently combating the aging water infrastructure in the U.S.

The nature of the pipe crack can affect the choice of repair materials, such as choosing between the Hymax repair clamp and other clamp and coupling options available for sale. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to understand why and how pipes tend to break in municipal water and wastewater systems. Keep reading to discover some of the most common causes of pipe cracks.

What causes a pipe to crack?

There are numerous factors that can influence the tendency of pipes to develop cracks. Some of the most common causes include:

• Pipe age and material: The older the pipe is, the higher the risk of cracks will be. For instance, water lines that are installed before 1980 tend to be made from cast iron. Although durable, cast iron can become brittle and crack due to constant expansion and contraction. New water pipes tend to be made of more resistant materials, such as plastic or ductile iron.
• Pressure changes: The pressure levels inside a water pipe can change due to several reasons. Temperature changes, or thermal expansion, are one of the most common causes. As the ground surrounding the pipe freezes and thaws, the pipes contract and expand, often resulting in cracks.
• Corrosive soils: Pipes made from iron and other metals can break over time if installed in acidic and corrosive environments. This happens most often in pipes that don’t have appropriate corrosion protection, such as polyethylene encasement for ductile iron pipes.
• Ground settling: Pipes can also be damaged over time as the ground surrounding them settles. If the stress caused by the ground settling is sufficient, the pipes may eventually crack or break.

How do you fix a cracked water pipe?

When an underground water pipe breaks, most people imagine that the repair process will entail extensive digging, heavy machinery, and lengthy periods of downtime. However, there are several techniques for repairing and replacing broken pipes, and not all of them are extremely time-consuming and extensive.

Traditional repair

Traditional pipe repair process typically requires digging a ditch through layers of asphalt or concrete in order to reach and repair the damaged pipe. This method is often easiest as it enables the workers to inspect the new piping after replacement and make sure that everything is in order. However, traditional pipe repair is not always cost-effective and tends to result in extensive downtime.

Trenchless repair

Trenchless pipe repair is a technique that enables the workers to replace cracked pipes without digging up a ditch or trench. This method is less invasive than traditional methods and tends to be more cost-effective. Trenchless line repair is often used when the damaged pipe runs under buildings, parking lots, or landscaping, due to the added costs of repaving and restoration and the prolonged downtime that comes with traditional repair. Pipe repair clamps are often used in trenchless repair to fix small cracks and leaks.

Looking for a Hymax repair clamp for sale? Contact Blair Supply Corp.

Blair Supply Corp. is a long-standing distributor of high-quality water and wastewater materials and equipment, known for its continuous involvement in industry associations and organizations. We carry equipment and supplies for replacement and temporary municipal pipe repair, including pinhole pipe leak repair clamps, sewer and drainage materials, and many other products from industry-leading manufacturers, such as Krausz, Smith-Blair, and others.

Blair Supply Corp. has three warehouses located in Rochester, Avoca, and Watertown, but offers convenient shipping across the nation. Get in touch with us today.