The West Reading Borough Public Works Department is working to repair a water main break in the 000 Block of North Sixth Avenue, which has disrupted service to the residences in that area.
What to expect if a water main breaks nearby.
Main breaks can cause a loss of water pressure or even a temporary loss of service as the main is shut down to isolate the emergency. Most interruptions to water service are repaired within six to eight hours.
Don’t worry! Unless you are told otherwise by a Borough representative, your water is safe to drink.
Why do water mains break?
Water mains fail when the stresses placed upon them are greater than the strength of the pipe. External forces on a water main include:
·        Traffic loading
·        Temperature changes
·        Underground work that leads to a direct or indirect impact on the pipe.
The imbalance of stresses to the strength of a pipe may show itself in various ways such as:
·        Joint leaks
·        Pipe breaks; or
·        Service line detached from the main.