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1. What is a watermain?

Watermains are underground pipes that carry water from the reservoirs and pumping stations to your streets.

2. What happens if a hole or crack develops in the pipe?

The water will usually find its way to the surface. Because the watermain is under pressure, water will continue to flow until the break is controlled.

3. Whom should I contact to report a watermain break?

Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., contact the Romeoville Public Works at 815-886-1870. After hours or on weekends, contact the Romeoville Police Department at 815-886-7219.

4. What causes watermain breaks?

Watermain breaks usually result from external corrosion of the pipe. Extreme weather changes can cause the ground to swell and contract, placing excessive pressure on the watermains, causing any weakened pipe to break.

5. Does cold weather cause more watermain breaks?

Cold weather is one of the extreme weather conditions that can cause watermain breaks. Watermain breaks are more likely to occur when frost penetrates deep into the ground, to a level of five to six feet, usually from late January until early April. While cold temperatures may send the frost deeper, the level of snow cover is also important. Snow will act as a blanket insulating the ground. In years when there is plenty of snow, the frost does not go as deep. However, just as many watermain breaks can occur during other extreme weather conditions, such as a hot, dry summer when the ground is very dry, or a very wet summer.

6. How do you repair watermain breaks?

See our How We Repair Watermain Breaks Page.

7. How long does it take to repair a watermain break?

If there are no complications, we can usually repair a watermain break within 4-6 hours.

8. Will you let me know if you need to turn the water off to repair a watermain on my street?

There usually isn’t time to notify residents. The water can flood the streets and private property causing damage and safety hazard, and must be controlled as quickly as possible. If there are non-emergency scheduled repairs, the Village of Romeoville Public Works will distribute a notice door to door for the affected residents in advance.

9. Will I notice anything different about my water after you repair a watermain break?

Water is sometimes discolored after watermain breaks, but this should not last long. Do not use the discolored water for laundry. Try not to use the hot water when you experience the discoloration as it may draw into your hot water tank and take a longer time to clear.