Toronto watermains feel the pressure
Andrea Stockton, staff writer
February 9, 2011 — The risk of a broken watermain increases when the temperatures drop. A one degree change can cause dozens of burst pipes.
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Freezing temperatures cause pressure on the pipes
Recent plunging temperatures have Torontonians bundling up. And while prolonged exposure outside can be detrimental to a person's health, it isn't the only concern involved with the frosty conditions.
The fluctuating temperatures are taking their toll on the aging water infrastructure in the city of Toronto. The city experiences about 1,500 watermain breaks every year and division staff have already dealt with 375 watermain breaks since January 1st.
“In the winter months when you have temperatures that go well below zero, the frost action, it exerts pressure over the pipe which is already older, deteriorated, causing the watermain break,” says Mario Crognale, Director of District Operations with Toronto Water.
Most of the ruptured pipes were put in place in the 1950's and when the cold temperatures seep through, it's often too much pressure for the brittle pipes to handle.
; RefreshAds('News Image Popup: User Action',document.getElementById('omniture_suiteid').value); "Older pipes are made of metal where the new pipes are made of plastic PVC which are not susceptible to corrosion")
Older pipes are made of metal where the new pipes are made of plastic PVC which are not susceptible to corrosion
It only takes a slight change in the temperature for the pipes to expand and burst and as a result, the city finds itself spending millions of dollars each year to fix the problem.
“And life expectancy is unfortunately 80 years so it's going to be many, many years before the water distribution system is replaced entirely so it will be with us for a long time,” explains Crognale.
If you want to report a watermain break, you can call the Toronto Water 24-Hour Emergency Line at 311.
With files from Alexandra Pope
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