Summer Weather Causes Water Main Breaks

Combating Water Main Breaks with Innovative Carbon Fiber Solutions

As summer approaches, many cities in northern regions are dealing with the consequences of a harsh winter. The extreme cold and heavy snowfall have taken their toll on infrastructure, and now, as temperatures rise, we're facing a new set of challenges—melting snow, runoff, and, most notably, water main breaks. This seasonal issue, often called "water main break season," is a recurring problem that affects communities worldwide. In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, a persistent water main break has been flooding the streets for over a month, causing disruption and concern. The Causes Behind Frequent Water Main Breaks One of the main culprits behind water main failures is the freeze-thaw cycle. As the ground thaws, it can cause uneven settling, which puts pressure on underground pipes. Combined with aging infrastructure—some of which is nearly 100 years old—this creates the perfect storm for leaks and bursts. In Prince Albert alone, there have been 19 water main breaks this season, with more expected in the coming weeks. City officials are working on a long-term strategy to manage these issues, noting that the extreme cold last winter significantly strained the underground system. Corrosion: A Costly and Ongoing Problem Corrosion of pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP) is a major issue across North America. According to a 2002 study, corrosion costs U.S. water and wastewater systems over $50 billion annually. On average, there are 850 water main breaks each day, costing more than $3 billion in repairs. Leaking pipes also result in the loss of about 2.5 trillion gallons of drinking water yearly—equivalent to 17% of all water pumped in the U.S. Alarmingly, 90% of this loss is due to corrosion in aging pipelines. A 2012 study from Utah State University found that 43% of American water mains are between 20 and 50 years old, while 22% are over 50 years old. With almost half of the one million miles of underground pipelines nearing the end of their lifespan, replacement costs are expected to exceed $1 trillion over the next 25 years. However, with limited funding available, finding an effective way to extend the life of existing infrastructure is more important than ever. HJ3’s CarbonSeal: A Game-Changing Repair Solution HJ3’s CarbonSeal carbon fiber technology offers a practical and cost-effective solution for repairing damaged pipes. One notable example involved a cracked water pipe at a coal-fired power plant. The internal concrete lining of a 120-inch diameter pipe had developed cracks, allowing water to seep in and corrode the pre-stressed wires. As the wires deteriorated, the pipe lost its structural integrity. Instead of replacing the entire 750-foot section, the power plant chose to use HJ3’s CarbonSeal system for repair. How the CarbonSeal Repair Works The process began with abrasive blasting to prepare the pipe surface, followed by the injection of polyurethane foam into any leaks. The surface was then primed, and the saturated CarbonSeal fabric was carefully applied. A protective topcoat was added until the surface was completely sealed. Remarkably, the entire 750 feet of pipe was repaired in just 11 days, restoring its ability to withstand internal stresses. This method saved 50% compared to other repair techniques and cut costs by 65% compared to full replacement. It also prevented six tons of concrete from being sent to landfills. After eight years of service, the system continues to perform as expected, and the client praised HJ3 for the support provided during design, engineering, and on-site installation. Consider CarbonSeal for Your Pipe Repair Needs If you're facing a similar challenge with underground piping and want to explore HJ3’s CarbonSeal reinforcement systems, contact HJ3 today to learn more about how this innovative solution can help protect your infrastructure.

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