Freezing Weather and Burst Pipes: Protecting Our Roadways and Infrastructure
Freezing temperatures can cause significant challenges for city infrastructure, particularly water pipes beneath roadways. When pipes burst, it can lead to flooding, sinkholes, and road closures, creating hazards for drivers and disruptions for the community. By understanding how freezing weather affects underground pipes and knowing when to report issues, residents can play a key role in keeping our city safe and functional.
Why Do Pipes Burst Beneath Roadways?
Just like the pipes in homes, underground pipes are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Here’s why freezing weather can cause these pipes to burst:
- Freezing and Expanding Water: When temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze and expand. This expansion creates intense pressure within the pipe, which can cause it to crack or burst.
- Soil Movement: The freeze-thaw cycle can cause soil to shift, placing additional stress on pipes and increasing the likelihood of breaks.
- Age and Material: Older pipes made of less durable materials are more susceptible to damage from freezing conditions than newer ones made with modern materials.
- Increased Pressure from Blockages: Ice blockages within pipes can lead to a buildup of pressure, which may eventually cause the pipe to fail.
What Happens When Pipes Burst Beneath Roadways?
A burst pipe beneath a roadway can cause significant issues, including:
- Flooding: Water escaping from a broken pipe can flood streets, making them dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.
- Sinkholes: Erosion caused by leaking water can lead to sinkholes, which can severely damage the road and surrounding infrastructure.
- Icy Hazards: Water leaking onto the road surface during freezing temperatures can create dangerous icy conditions.
- Traffic Disruptions: Repairs to burst pipes often require road closures or detours, inconveniencing residents and delaying travel.
When Should Residents Report Issues?
The city relies on residents to help identify problems quickly. If you notice any of the following signs, please report them immediately:
- Water Flowing on Roadways: Water pooling or flowing across the street, especially during freezing weather, may indicate a broken pipe.
- Unusual Road Damage: Sudden potholes, cracks, or depressions in the roadway can be signs of underground water damage.
- Icy Patches: Unexpected ice forming on the roadway without recent precipitation could mean a leaking pipe is the source.
- Flooding Around Storm Drains: If storm drains appear overwhelmed or are flooding during dry conditions, it could point to a broken water main.
How to Report Issues
Residents are encouraged to report any signs of burst pipes or roadway flooding immediately. In Statesville, you can report these issues by:
- Phone: Call the Water Maintenance Division at 704-878-3417 between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM to report urgent water main breaks or roadway flooding. To report issues after hours, please contact the Statesville Police Department at 704-878-3406.
- Emergency: If the situation creates an immediate danger, such as a roadway collapse or hazardous ice, call 911.
Quick reporting helps the City of Statesville respond promptly to minimize hazards and protect our roadways.
How the City Prevents and Addresses Burst Pipes
The City of Statesville works year-round to minimize the risks of burst pipes beneath roadways through:
- Regular Maintenance: Inspecting and repairing aging infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of failures.
- Upgrades: Replacing old pipes with more resilient materials.
- Monitoring: Using advanced technology to detect potential issues before they escalate.
- Emergency Response: Quickly dispatching crews to address breaks and minimize disruptions when they occur.
Be Our Partner in Prevention
While the city takes proactive steps to protect our infrastructure, residents play a crucial role in helping us identify and address problems. If you see something unusual on the roadways during freezing weather, don’t hesitate to report it. Early reporting helps us prevent small issues from turning into major problems.
Together, we can ensure that our roadways and infrastructure stay safe and functional, even during the harshest winter weather.
