It will take at least two weeks to fully repair a massive water main that broke last week in southwest Detroit, according to Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) officials. 

Officials said in a Thursday update that the break happened on a 54-inch steel water transmission main at Beard and Rowan in the early morning hours of last Monday. As of Thursday, officials said, a 19-foot segment of replacement pipe arrived on-site.

“In the last 24 hours, GLWA crews and contractors removed an approximately 12-foot section of damaged pipe, and pipe assessment contractors have begun inspecting the condition of the existing pipe on either side of the break location in preparation for the repair process to begin,” the Thursday update read. “More updates will be provided as they become available.”

According to local news reports, the massive break affected nearly 400 homes. Several residents called 7 News Detroit last week to report that they were stuck inside their homes as they filled up with water. The news report said boats were also used by firefighters who rescued families from their homes.

Local plumber James Rios told FOX 2 Detroit that the damage “looked like the apocalyptic movies” when he visited the area to provide free services, such as unclogging any remaining standing water.   

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he wants to start repairing affected homes this week to allow families to return to their homes. He noted that about 40% of families affected have been staying in hotels or elsewhere outside of the affected areas. The city has also partnered with Sonesta Extended Stay Suites to provide impacted residents a place to stay amid repairs. 

Duggan also told USA Today that basement flooding has affected 190 homes, as many of those residents go without heat and power in frigid February temperatures. He said about 60% of impacted residents were still staying in their homes as of Wednesday, making power restoration a top priority for officials.

About 80 inspectors have been visiting homes in the area to assess the damage in order to begin repairs this week, according to officials. Both the Great Lakes Water Authority and Detroit Water and Sewage Department (DWSD) said they will help residents cover repair costs that insurance does not.

"I’m hoping that within the next six weeks we can have all of this behind us in regard to having everyone back in their home. That’s our goal," DWSD Director Gary Brown told reporters.

GLWA officials said residents impacted by the water main break can call their 24-hour hotline at (313) 774-5261 to be connected to emergency resources through the City of Detroit.

Aging infrastructure could be a factor 

The break comes after Detroit city officials began increasing investments in 2019 to upgrade aging infrastructure, such as water and sewage systems that many residents believe have been neglected for decades. According to a report from Crain’s Detroit Business, the city decided then to invest about $500 million over five years to modernize the city’s water infrastructure. Those infrastructure investments marked the largest since the 1930s.

Experts from Thor’s Plumbing Solutions say that older water lines are often made from materials like cast iron or lead, which degrade over time and can be harmful for residents. These pipes become more susceptible to cracks, leaks and full breaks as they age.

Thor’s Plumbing Solutions suggests that aging infrastructure is a leading cause of water line failures, especially in cities with older plumbing systems. Poor installation and ground settling can also exacerbate the risk of breaks. 

“Worn-out pipes weaken, especially if they haven’t been maintained or replaced over decades. Recognizing the impact of time on your water lines and investing in regular inspections can help detect vulnerabilities early. For those with older systems, upgrading to modern, durable materials like PVC or copper can mitigate breakage risks and provide a more reliable water system for years to come,” a blog post from Thor’s Plumbing Solutions read.

A blog post from Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) added that some older sewer pipes are made of clay, which can break more easily. It noted that modern mains are often made of ductile iron or plastic pipes to proactively avoid breaks.

“If your pipes are decades old, it may be time to examine their status,” the blog post read.

Mitigating risk and responding to breaks 

Thor’s Plumbing Solutions recommends inspecting water lines annually, especially for older systems, to help mitigate the risk of pipes breaking. For high-risk areas, such as those with heavy soil movement or extreme seasonal weather, more frequent checks may be necessary. The company’s blog post said that while you can’t eliminate the risk entirely, regular maintenance, appropriate material selection and following preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of breaks.

Experts at SEH note that it’s important to choose a consultant that offers a number of diagnostic and repair solutions, because each case is different. According to the company’s blog, water main condition surveys can help identify issues early on to avoid long-term issues.

In order to assess the condition of water mains, engineers research physical, environmental and operational factors to identify the range of potential alternatives for the replacement and rehabilitation of the mains. There are also innovative methods like non-destructive testing and trenchless technology that repair broken pipes without disturbing the ground around them.