Water mains are underground pipes that carry water from the water treatment plant and pumping stations to your street. Because the water main is pressurized, when a hole or crack occurs in the pipe, water will continue to flow until the City turns off the water main control valves. Water usually finds its way to the surface, but during the winter a thick layer of frost may not permit water to surface immediately. Occasionally, water may find its way into the sanitary or storm sewer mains, or may saturate the soil and eventually seep into adjoining basements or cause sump pumps to operate.
If you are experiencing or have been notified of an upcoming water service disruption, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes water main breaks?
Water main breaks generally result from corrosion, ground movement and/or the expansion/contraction of the pipe.
How will I know if there is a water main break on my street?
Several factors may alert you to a water main break on your street:
• Water is surfacing on the road or the lawn behind the sidewalk.
• A noticeable drop in water pressure to your residence.
• Tap water that is muddy or discoloured.
• You may hear the sound of water running if you listen by the water meter.
• In a small number of situations you may notice water coming up in the floor drain when no one is using water in the home.
• If you have a sump pump, you may notice that it turns on frequently when it would normally not operate (for example, in the winter).
• Water doesn't flow out of the tap when you turn it on.
• There's a door hanger from the City on your door explaining the situation when you get home.
What should I do if I see water on the road or coming into my basement?
Phone the City of Saskatoon water and sewer trouble line immediately at 975-2476 or 975-2491.
What do I do if I don’t have running water in my house?
The City has four emergency water trailers that can supply potable (safe drinking) water to residents until the water main can be repaired and water service restored. If just one home is affected, the City will attempt to make arrangements with a neighbour to supply a pressurized connection to the affected house.
When will I have running water again?
We understand that being without water service is a significant inconvenience, and we always endeavour to get customer's water back on as soon as possible. Approximately 75% of water main breaks in residential areas are repaired and the water service restored within 24 hours. Delays may occur for a variety of reasons such as the condition of the pipe or the location of the break in the pipe. Water main breaks where residents or businesses are affected, are given priority.
What can I do to protect my home from the risk of a flood caused by a water main break?
• Slope the soil around your foundation and window wells at least two metres away from your house, with a drop of 10 to 20 centimetres.
• Over time, the soil around most homes will settle and cause flat spots or depressions where water can accumulate, or worse – slope towards the house. Check all drainage paths on your property (many lots drain along the back property line or to the lane) and ensure they are graded properly and that they aren’t blocked or altered.
• Repair all leaks in walls, floors, windows and doors to help keep water from getting into your basement.
• If you have a sump pump and/or backwater valve(s), check to make sure they’re working. If you’re not sure what to look for or how to recognize them, contact a local plumbing company for assistance.
o A sump pit draining system collects water from the weeping tiles around the basement and pushes the water outside the house through a discharge pipe. To check if a sump pump is working, pour a pail of water into the pit. Ensure that the water pumps out at least two meters from your house. All homes built since January 1, 2004, have a sump pump, and other homes have been retrofitted with them. Note that sump pumps likely won’t operate during an electrical failure which could result in basement flooding.
• Phone the City of Saskatoon water and sewer trouble line immediately at 975-2476 or 975-2491 if you see or suspect that something is different with either your home or sewer system. Early notification could help you avoid unnecessary damage to your home.