Infographic: When a Water Main Breaks (Text Alternative)

When a water main breaks, the first step to repairing the break is you. 

1. Report it to WSSC Water at 301-206-4002.
2. WSSC Water will dispatch an inspector to the reported break.
3. WSSC Water also will notify Miss Utility.
4. Once the water main break location is confirmed, the dispatched WSSC Water repair crew will locate and close the valves feeding water to that main.
5. The crew will then locate, dig up and repair the broken main.
6. Finally, a crew will fill in the excavation site and make any necessary road repairs. 

Please be patient as we make repairs, which typically take between 4 to 6 hours after crews have dug up and uncovered the damaged pipe. Repair times can vary based on pipe size, depth buried and other factors.