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Homeowners in Twin Falls deal with low water pressure, discolored water, or water pooling in the street if the water main breaks. Water main breaks can be frustrating, so you might want to know how long it takes to fix the problem. Some factors affect the repair time. But you can reduce the repair time when you contact a plumber in Twin Falls as soon as possible. Also, understanding these factors can help you stay calm and know what to expect when this happens in your area. Here are the steps involved in the repair:
Finding the Break
The repair crew needs to locate the exact spot of the break before any repairs can begin. This might be easy if water gushes out of the ground, but some breaks are not easy to spot. Sometimes, the leak is underground and presents less obvious signs such as a drop in water pressure or muddy patches on a lawn.
Finding the break can take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day, depending on how visible the problem is and whether the plumber needs special equipment to detect it. Utility crews may use listening devices or pressure testing tools to narrow down the location.
Shutting Off the Water Safely
Turning off the water flowing through that section of pipe needs to be done carefully to avoid affecting too many homes or businesses. City crews usually work quickly to isolate the problem, so they can stop the flow and begin repairs. It can take extra time to shut down the water supply in the right spot if valves are hard to access or stuck due to age or rust.
Digging and Accessing the Pipe
Water mains are buried underground, so repair crews have to dig down to reach the broken section. Crews use large equipment like backhoes to remove pavement, dirt, and other layers. This step can take several hours, especially if the pipe is buried deep or if there are other underground utilities nearby that require extra caution. In residential areas of Twin Falls, crews also try to limit damage to yards, sidewalks, or landscaping, which can add more time to the process.
The Repair Work
Once the broken pipe is exposed, the team can finally fix the damage. The repair might involve replacing a short section of pipe, sealing a crack, or installing a clamp depending on how bad the break is. If the pipe is old or brittle, extra care is needed during the repair to avoid causing more damage. This part of the process can take anywhere from a few hours to half a day.
The repair can stretch into the next day for more severe breaks or if parts need to be ordered. Most simple water main breaks are fixed within 6 to 12 hours, but more complicated cases may take 24 to 48 hours.
Testing and Restoring Water Service
After the repair is made, it is not time to turn the water back on yet. First, the repaired pipe needs to be tested to make sure there are no leaks. Then, the system is flushed to remove any dirt or debris that might have gotten in during the repair. Water is slowly restored to the area once testing is complete. Residents might notice cloudy water or air in the pipes for a few minutes, but this usually clears up quickly.
The final step is refilling the hole and repairing any damage to the road or sidewalk. In some cases, temporary patches are made so that water service can return quickly, with full surface repair scheduled later.
