Numerous NJ water main breaks reported amid bitter cold. Where and why

The recent bout of frigid weather in North Jersey has caused more than just local residents to freeze.

In the span of a week, water main breaks in Haledon and on Route 23 in Butler have impacted communities in the area. Glen Rock, Boonton, Hanover, West Orange, Bloomingdale, Livingston and Edison have also reported burst pipes in just the past several days.

The current weather conditions are difficult for water companies like Veolia, which has 3,000 miles of water mains and serves more than 1 million residents and businesses across New Jersey. The company has dealt with 13 water main breaks in the state since last weekend’s storm, Director of Communications Debra Vial told NorthJersey.com.

“Cold weather can be tough on water mains, especially when temperatures drop quickly,” Vial explained. “Rapid swings from mild to bitter cold cause the ground to contract, increasing stress on the pipe.”

The weather also causes soil in the ground to swell up, a process known as frost heave. The soil expands and shifts as temperatures drop, which causes additional pressure on pipes, Vial said.

The bitter cold has added stress to an aging infrastructure system in the region with some water mains that date back more than a century.

The chance of pipes freezing inside residences increases the longer the frigid conditions remain. Veolia offered several tips for residents to protect their homes from the bitter cold.

How to keep your pipes from freezing in winter

• Close all outside vents, doors and crawl spaces, fix broken windows and seal cracks in the wall so cold air does not seep inside.
• Wrap the meter and water lines in insulation or heat tape, which can be purchased at hardware stores.
• Check the water meter periodically. Make sure the shutoff valves are working properly.
• Consider keeping a trickle of water running from the highest faucet to prevent broken pipes.
• If you are going away for an extended period, keep a minimum amount of heat on in the house.
• If the pipes freeze, clear blockages as soon as possible to minimize damage. It may be best to call a licensed plumber.
• If a pipe has burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house. Open a nearby faucet slightly to drain the pipe as it thaws.