Summer Weather Causes Water Main Breaks

As the summer approaches, cities across northern regions are bracing themselves for the aftermath of an exceptionally severe winter. Record-low temperatures and heavy snowfall have taken their toll, and now the warmer weather is presenting its own set of challenges, including snowmelt runoff and pipe ruptures. This time of year, known as "water main break season," is a familiar issue in many parts of the world. In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, a persistent water main break has flooded the streets for over a month, causing significant disruption and concern among residents.

The Root Causes of Water Main Breaks

Freeze-thaw cycles play a major role in these failures. As the ground thaws, differential settlement occurs, causing shifts in the soil beneath the pipes. Many of the water main breaks this season are due to a mix of extreme weather conditions and aging infrastructure, with some pipes being nearly a century old. In Prince Albert alone, there have been 19 water main breaks so far, with several more anticipated in the coming weeks. Local authorities are working on a comprehensive plan to tackle these issues, recognizing that the harsh winter placed immense strain on the underground systems.

Corrosion: A Growing Challenge for Pipelines

Corrosion of pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP) costs U.S. water and wastewater systems over $50 billion annually, according to a 2002 study. North America experiences roughly 850 water main breaks per day, resulting in annual repair expenses surpassing $3 billion. Leaks lead to the loss of approximately 2.5 trillion gallons of drinking water annually—about 17% of all water pumped in the U.S.—with 90% of this loss attributed to corrosion-related issues tied to aging infrastructure. A 2012 study by Utah State University found that 43% of water mains in the U.S. are between 20 and 50 years old, while 22% have exceeded 50 years. Regrettably, nearly half of the one million miles of pipelines under American streets are nearing the end of their serviceable lives. Replacement costs are estimated to exceed $1 trillion over the next 25 years, but without sufficient funding, we urgently need solutions to extend the lifespan of our PCCP infrastructure.

HJ3’s CarbonSeal Carbon Fiber Solution

HJ3’s CarbonSeal carbon fiber offers a practical solution to these pressing problems. Consider a cracked water pipe at a coal-fired power plant. Internal concrete linings, used to transport water to the plant’s cooling towers, had developed fissures. Water infiltrating through these cracks caused corrosion of the pre-stressed wires within the pipe. As these wires deteriorated, the pipe lost its ability to handle internal hoop stresses. Facing the steep cost of full replacement, the plant decided to use HJ3’s CarbonSeal system to repair 750 feet of the pipe.

The CarbonSeal Repair Process

The repair began with an abrasive blast on the pipe’s surface, followed by injecting polyurethane foam into the leaks. The pipe was primed, and the saturated CarbonSeal carbon fabric was carefully applied. A protective topcoat ensured a pinhole-free surface, making the system impermeable. Remarkably, all 750 linear feet of pipe were repaired in just 11 days, restoring its capacity to withstand internal stresses. This method saved 50% compared to other repair techniques, a staggering 65% less than replacement costs, and prevented six tons of concrete from going to landfills. After eight years in operation, the system continues to perform as expected, meeting client satisfaction. The client praised HJ3 for its invaluable support in design calculations, engineering drawings, termination details, and on-site supervision throughout the project.

Exploring CarbonSeal Reinforcement Systems

If you’re dealing with the challenge of repairing an underground pipe and want to learn more about HJ3’s CarbonSeal reinforcement systems, don’t hesitate to reach out to HJ3 at [contact information].

‍

‍

‍

Flywheel

Flywheel,Flywheel In Engine,Car Flywheel,Auto Flywheel

Ningbo Maixun International Trade Co., Ltd , https://www.nbmachinery.com