2 Most Common Issues in Water Mains Pipes
Water distribution systems are the backbone of cities and towns. Without proper maintenance of the system and its components, pipeline issues can build up over long term use, a city’s residents would be left without water.
Pipe maintenance addresses current pipe issues as well as takes preventative measures against potential issues.
At American Pipeline Solutions, it is our goal to help you maintain your water mains. Below, we’ve taken a closer look at three water mains projects to show you common pipe issues and their solutions.
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2 Most Common Issues in Water Main Pipes
Introduction
Water distribution systems are the backbone of cities and towns. Without consistent maintenance of the pipelines and their components, small issues can develop into serious problems over time—leaving entire communities without reliable water access.
Routine pipe maintenance not only resolves existing problems but also prevents future failures that could lead to costly disruptions. At American Pipeline Solutions (APS), our mission is to help municipalities and utility providers maintain the health and performance of their water mains through precise inspection, cleaning, and rehabilitation services.
Below, we take a closer look at two of the most common issues found in water main pipes and how our team has successfully solved them in the field.
2 Main Issues in Water Main Pipes
Even though each distribution system has unique challenges, two issues appear more frequently than any others: internal clogging that restricts flow and discoloration caused by sediment or corrosion. Understanding how these problems develop—and how to correct them—helps utilities prevent major disruptions and avoid costly pipe replacement.
Issue 1: Clogged or Restricted Pipelines
Can your pipelines be restricted even if there are no visible signs of water shortage? The answer is yes.
Pipeline blockages often develop slowly over decades, caused by the gradual buildup of corrosion and mineral deposits along the interior walls. Because this process happens gradually, many systems continue to operate with reduced efficiency for years before any noticeable symptoms—such as discoloration or pressure drop—appear.
One project completed by American Pipeline Solutions in Montgomery County, Maryland, illustrates this well. The county’s water supply lines, composed primarily of cast iron, had become severely clogged after more than 60 years of service. The pipes were heavily tuberculated—a condition where hard, rust-like deposits accumulate along the interior surface.
Tuberculation not only reduces internal diameter but also compromises the structural integrity of the pipe. As buildup increases, flow is restricted, pressure requirements rise, and energy costs for pumping water climb significantly. In Montgomery County’s system, the buildup was so severe that flow rates had dropped from the standard 800 gallons per minute to just 130 gallons per minute in some sections.
To address this, the APS team implemented a dual-stage cleaning process combining high-pressure jetting at 8,000 PSI with foam pigging. This method effectively removed deposits and restored normal flow coefficients. Importantly, it also saved the county from having to undertake a costly and disruptive full pipe replacement.
Pipeline Experts: Inspection, Cleaning, Coating & More
Certified solutions for inspection, pre-commissioning, cleaning, internal coating, ice pigging™, mapping, and turnkey pipeline projects—maximizing safety and reliability at every stage.
Issue 2: Dirty or Discolored Water
If a water main begins to deliver dirty or discolored water, it is often an indication of sediment buildup, corrosion, or intrusion within the system. While temporary discoloration can occur after new construction or repairs—such as when a building is connected to the network—persistent dirty water signals a deeper problem.
Over time, sediment, rust, and biological growth accumulate on the pipe walls. As flow conditions change or the system experiences fluctuations in pressure, this debris can loosen and enter the distribution stream, resulting in cloudy or reddish water.
The American Pipeline Solutions team encountered such a problem in South Carolina, where sediment accumulation had led to significant discoloration. Using a traditional foam pig, we were able to safely and effectively clean the pipeline interior. The results were immediate—improved clarity, consistent flow, and restored water quality.
In many cases, a simple pigging operation can remove years of buildup, returning the line to near-original condition and reducing the need for chemical flushing or replacement.
Other Common Water Main Issues You Should Know
While restricted flow and dirty water are the two issues most frequently encountered in municipal systems, there are several other conditions that can threaten the integrity of water mains if left unaddressed.
Low or Inconsistent Pressure can indicate narrowing due to corrosion, valve obstructions, or leaks in the supply line. A sudden drop in pressure across multiple service areas may suggest a break or severe blockage that requires immediate attention.
Leaks and Pipe Breaks are another common concern, often caused by joint fatigue, external damage, or soil movement. Even small leaks can erode surrounding material, leading to sinkholes or infrastructure damage if not quickly repaired.
Corrosion and Erosion affect older metallic pipes, particularly cast iron and steel. Over time, chemical reactions between the pipe surface and water chemistry create scaling or pitting that weakens the structure.
Root Intrusion and External Infiltration occur when nearby tree roots or shifting soil find their way into joints or cracks, reducing flow and potentially introducing contaminants.
Hydraulic Surges and Water Hammer are pressure spikes that occur when valves close too quickly or pumps shut down suddenly. These rapid pressure changes stress older mains and can accelerate fatigue or cause ruptures.
Recognizing these issues early is essential. APS helps utilities monitor and manage these risks using pipeline inspection, mapping, and cleaning technologies designed to identify early signs of deterioration before they escalate.
How APS Tackles Water Main Challenges
At American Pipeline Solutions, we take a comprehensive approach to maintaining and rehabilitating water mains. Our team combines inspection and condition analysis with advanced pigging and cleaning methods to ensure pipelines operate at maximum efficiency.
Techniques like Ice Pigging™, high-pressure jetting, and conventional foam pigging allow us to remove deposits and biofilms without the need for costly excavation. We also offer internal pipe coating services, which extend the life of existing infrastructure by applying protective epoxy linings that resist corrosion and restore hydraulic performance.
From detailed inspections and mapping to turnkey pipeline rehabilitation, APS provides a single-source solution for maintaining clean, efficient, and reliable water systems.
When Replacement Becomes Necessary
While cleaning and rehabilitation can restore most pipelines, there are cases where replacement becomes the most practical long-term solution. Severe corrosion, structural cracking, or repeated leaks can indicate that the pipeline’s service life is nearing its end.
APS assists clients in making informed decisions by providing data-driven assessments that compare the cost and longevity benefits of rehabilitation versus full replacement. This ensures that every project delivers both technical reliability and financial efficiency.
Conclusion
Water mains face a variety of challenges, from internal corrosion to sediment buildup and pressure fluctuations. Among them, restricted pipelines and dirty water remain the most common—and the most easily preventable—with the right maintenance strategy.
At American Pipeline Solutions, we specialize in identifying, cleaning, and restoring aging water systems. Through cutting-edge pigging technologies, condition analysis, and preventive maintenance, we help cities and utilities extend the life of their infrastructure and ensure safe, efficient water delivery.
Contact APS today to learn more about our water main inspection and cleaning services, and see how our solutions can restore performance while saving on costly replacements.
