How Long Does It Take to Fix a Water Main Break?

Remember to stay calm—help is on the way

Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Amy Freeman
Written by Amy Freeman
Contributing Writer
Updated Mar 3, 2025
Highlights

  • A pro can repair a water main break in as little as a few hours or as long as a few weeks.

  • How long the repair takes depends on the location of the damage.

  • Signs of a broken water main can be subtle or dramatic, depending on the extent of the problem. 

  • Your local municipality may be responsible for repairing the damage.

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You wake up one morning, only to find that water is coming out of your taps in just a trickle. If you have public water, you may have a water main break on your hands. Due to aging systems and cash-strapped municipalities, water main breaks are relatively common. If it happens to you, here's how long it takes to fix a water main break and what to expect in the meantime.

Why Do Water Mains Break?

Water mains break for several reasons, one of the primary causes being age. Many municipal water systems were built decades ago using materials such as cast iron or steel. Over time, corrosion weakens the metal. Combine that with pressure from the water, temperature fluctuations, and soil erosion around the water pipe, and you have the recipe for a break. 

A water main can also be damaged during a construction project. For example, if digging is done near the water main and equipment strikes it, the pipe can burst.

3 common water main line repairs, including a leaking valve and broken pipe
Photos: Yevhenii Orlov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, designbydx / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Birute / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Signs of a Broken Water Main

Water coming out of the bathroom faucet
Photo: Viktoriya Kuzmenkova / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Inside your home, the most common sign of a water main break is a drop in water pressure. In some cases, there may be no water coming out of your faucets. The break could be in the main public water line and not your home's private supply line, so ask your neighbors if they are also experiencing a decrease in water pressure or output.

Many times, you can see the impact of a broken water main by looking outside. There may be water flowing down the street or in yards. In dramatic cases, you may see a gush of water coming out of the ground.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Water Main Break?

Fixing a water main break can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days. The duration of the repair depends on the location of the break and the complexity of the damage. Extensive repairs could even take crews weeks to fully finish. 

In some cases, professionals must order special equipment or materials to repair the damage, which can extend the timeline of the repair. When the break occurs along a main road, crews may need to redirect traffic or only perform the work during less busy times of day, which can make the process take even longer. 

Who Is Responsible for Fixing a Water Main Break?

When a water main or public service line breaks, the municipality is responsible for inspecting and repairing it. You may report the damage to your water provider, who should send an investigator to assess the problem.

If the service line that connects your home to the public service line and water main has a problem, it's your responsibility to oversee the repair. When there's a problem with your service line, water flow to your home may be completely cut off. If your municipality determines that the problem is with your service line and not the public water main, you should contact a local plumber to handle the repair.

The cost to repair a water main service line could be anywhere from $150 to $5,000, depending on the problem, the location of the break, and the required fix.

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Frequently Asked Questions

While you may have some water, it's best to wait until after the repair is complete to use your home's pipes. For one thing, the water pressure will most likely be greatly reduced, leading to a less-than-intense shower. There's also the risk of contamination from dirt and bacteria that can enter the broken water main pipe. In many cases, a pro will turn off the flow of water from your water main to do the repairs, so showering won’t likely be an option.

Water discoloration is common after a water break repair, but isn't a cause for panic. If your water looks a little murky or brown, turn on a cold water faucet from the highest point in your home, such as an upper-story bathtub. Let the water run for several minutes, until it turns clear.

Whether a water main break counts as an emergency plumbing situation or not depends on the extent of the problem. Your municipality will let you know if you need to leave your home, and when it is safe to return. If the problem is in your service line, a local plumber can help you determine if it's an emergency.

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Learn more about our contributor
Amy Freeman
Written by Amy Freeman
Contributing Writer
Amy is a content writer specializing in home improvement and personal finance topics. She loves helping people tackle DIY projects that beautify their spaces. Her work can also be found on Money Crashers and Coldwell Banker where she combines home improvement and money saving tips.

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