pre header

RVA.gov usa Google Translate™ para proveer una traducción genérica en el idioma de su preferencia. Esta aplicación no sustituye su derecho de obtener una traducción profesional provista por la Ciudad de Richmond como parte del Plan de Acceso a Lenguaje. Para solicitar una traducción llame al centro de servicio al cliente  de la Ciudad de Richmond al 804-646-7000 o 3-1-1.

To contact City of Richmond Customer Service, please call 804-646-7000 or 3-1-1.

City News

Public Utilities

Posted on Oct 2, 2026

Repair Process for Water Main Break

Infographic details water main break repair steps: crew investigation, road closure, utility marking, pipe repair, and road restoration, with estimated times for each stage. This process can take 6-8 hours AFTER crews have dug up and uncovered the damaged pipe. Repair times can vary based on pipe size, buried depth, and other factors. We appreciate your patience. 30-60 Minutes for surveying crew investigates and verifies the reported water main break. After the investigation is completed, the repair crew is dispatched. 30-60 Minutes for Repair crew arrives to cut off water and close the road/lane if needed. 3 hours for Miss Utility is called to mark underground utility lines for safe digging. This process takes at least 3 hours. Winter wait times may be longer due to increased call volume. 3-5 Hours for team to complete work needed to repair water main break. Time varies for The temporary road patch is complete; DPW work order submitted.

Why does one water main repair take a few hours while another takes much longer? Every break is different. This graphic shows the steps involved in a typical repair—and some of the factors that can affect how long it takes.