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1. What is a water main break?

A water main is an underground pipe that delivers water to the customer’s water service lateral/pipe. If a hole or crack develops in the pipe, the water will typically find its way to the surface. Because the water main is under pressure, water will continue to flow until the break is repaired. 

2. How do I report a water main break?

If you notice water leaking or pooling on a street, please call Spotsylvania County Utilities. If the street is within the Spotsylvania County Utility service area, a qualified technician will be dispatched to evaluate the problem. View the Report a Water Main Break page.  

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday:  540-507-7300, Press Option 1

After business hours, weekends, holidays:  540-507-7340 or 540-507-7350

3. What causes water main break?

Fluctuations in water and ground temperatures, the corrosiveness of soil, and the age and condition of a pipe can cause water main breaks.  Pipes can also break if they are accidentally struck by heavy equipment or digging.  

4. How does Spotsylvania County Utilities repair a water main break?

Before repairing a break, Spotsylvania County Utilities contacts Virginia 811 to locate and mark other utility lines (electric, gas, cable, etc.) that may be in close proximity to a damaged water main. After determining the exact location of the water main break, a Spotsylvania County Utility repair crew uses heavy equipment like a backhoe to excavate the affected area. If water needs to be turned off for a water main break repair, customers will receive little or no notice.  The water can flood streets and private property causing damage and safety hazards and must be controlled as quickly as possible.

If a water main break is repaired beneath a roadway, the crew will cover the excavation site with gravel and sometimes a temporary asphalt patch.  Depending on weather conditions, a Spotsylvania County Utility contractor will repave the impacted section of the road within six to eight weeks.  

5. How long does it take to repair a water main break?

Factors such as type, size, and location make each water main break unique. As a result, the length of time required to complete each repair varies.

6. How do we determine which breaks to repair first on any given day?

Spotsylvania County Utilities first repairs breaks that could cause the most damage or hardship. Breaks that affect a large number of people (i.e. entire subdivisions, apartment blocks, etc.), or institutions (i.e. hospitals, personal care homes, schools, etc.), or traffic on major roads will be the top priority.     

7. What should I do when my water service is restored?

After a water main break in your area has been repaired, you may experience pockets of air in your plumbing and some cloudiness or discoloration in your water. Running cold water from a bathtub faucet for five to ten minutes should clear your lines of any air or sediment.  Be sure to run the cold water from the highest level of the house and we recommend a faucet that does have an aerator screen.  

If your faucet continues to sputter or your water remains cloudy after you run cold water through the tap, please call Spotsylvania County Utilities for assistance.       

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday:  540-507-7300, Press Option 1

After business hours, weekends, holidays:  540-507-7340 or 540-507-7350