Report Water Main Breaks & Sewer Backups

Signs of a Water Main Break

Signs of a broken water main are water running down the street and buckled pavement. Main breaks may leave specific areas without water. Residents may experience delays or interruptions in service as crews repair breaks and restore water service. Listed on this page are all the steps involved in the actual repair of a main break. These will provide clarity to understand the repair process.

Procedures to Repair a Water Main Break

1. Report is received by Benbrook Water Authority (BWA) at 817-249-1250
2. A field crew is dispatched to verify the address and specific location of the leak or main break
3. This verification is phoned in to dispatch
4. BWA contacts the firm who marks the location of all nearby utilities (gas, telephone, electric, cable), and provides specifics related to the width and depth crews will need to be able to effect repairs.
   • Note: The firm has up to two hours to mark the utilities. Often BWA personnel arrive before the firm’s staff, but cannot proceed with the repair until they receive approval or until the two hours are exhausted. This two-hour period is mandated by State law.
5. Once approval is received to dig or the two-hour period is expired, a crew will proceed with repairs.
6. The repair crew will update dispatch on estimated repair time. A standard repair takes four to five hours to complete. If it is determined that more time will be required to complete the repair, dispatch is updated with this status.
7. Don’t assume your neighbor will make the call. BWA would rather receive multiple reports about a suspected problem than no calls at all.