Water main breaks are happening far too often—and the consequences are staggering. From flooded streets to emergency repairs, traffic delays, and contaminated water, the failure of our underground infrastructure is affecting lives, communities, and local economies across North America.
According to a 2023 Utah State University report, there are 710 water main breaks every single day across the U.S. and Canada. That’s more than one break every two minutes. The direct repair costs alone total $2.6 billion annually, and that doesn’t even account for the cascading losses: emergency equipment, road closures, business interruptions, and wasted resources.
So, what’s really causing this epidemic?
The #1 Culprit: Corrosion
Experts agree—corrosion is the leading cause of water main breaks.
Corrosion slowly eats away at the interior and exterior of outdated metal piping, leading to leaks, bursts, and contamination. And it’s not just a nuisance; it’s a massive economic burden. The U.S. drinking water and wastewater systems lose more than $50.7 billion a year due to corrosion. Over the next two decades, this number could top $1 trillion if infrastructure remains unchanged.
Even when utilities invest in corrosion mitigation strategies, these are only stopgap measures. They delay the inevitable failure rather than preventing it. That’s because the problem isn’t just corrosion—it’s the outdated materials themselves.
A Legacy of Obsolete Materials
For more than a century, America’s underground water infrastructure has relied on cast iron and ductile iron pipes. These materials were once the standard, but they were never designed to withstand the demands—or the lifespan—we now expect from our infrastructure.
Both cast iron and ductile iron are highly vulnerable to corrosion, especially when exposed to modern water chemistry, soil conditions, and pressure variations. In many regions, these pipes are decades past their expected service life, yet they remain in service—until they break.
The Hidden Costs of Water Main Breaks
Water main breaks don’t just damage pipes. They disrupt neighborhoods, strain municipal budgets, and put public health at risk. The costs go far beyond repair crews and replacement parts. Consider the:
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Wasted clean water
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Increased traffic congestion
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Business and school closures
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Environmental damage
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Loss of public trust in water safety
Each break is a reminder that our current systems are failing—and that continued reliance on outdated, corroding materials is unsustainable.
The Way Forward: Corrosion-Resistant, Modern Materials
At GP Pipe Distributors, we believe the time to act is now.
Municipalities, developers, and utilities must turn to non-metallic, corrosion-resistant piping solutions that are engineered to meet today’s standards—and tomorrow’s challenges. Advanced piping technologies like PVC and HDPE offer long-term durability, flexibility, and resistance to both internal and external corrosion.
These materials don’t just last longer—they perform better. They protect water quality, reduce maintenance costs, and help prevent the cycle of failure we see with old-technology pipes.
It’s Time to Rebuild Smarter
The American Society of Civil Engineers consistently gives poor grades to our nation’s water infrastructure. Their message is clear: hundreds of billions of dollars must be invested over the next 20 years to modernize our drinking water and wastewater systems.
Taxpayers are tired of the band-aid approach. Local governments are searching for permanent, cost-effective solutions.
At GP Pipe Distributors, we’re here to help you make the smart choice—before the next break happens.
Let’s move beyond corrosion and into a future of resilient, sustainable water infrastructure.
Contact GP Pipe Distributors
Ready to upgrade your pipeline systems or need guidance on the best materials for long-term performance?
Visit our website https://www.gpdistributorsusa.com/ or call us today at 346-500-9939 to speak with our pipe specialists.
