Citizens Energy Group warns of water main breaks during extreme cold – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As the extreme cold sticks around central Indiana, Citizens Energy Group says the area might see more water main breaks over the next few days.

The utility company says it’s responded to quite a few breaks across its service area this week, including 10 on Wednesday morning alone — although that’s not an unusual number for crews to respond to this time of year.

Spokesperson Ben Easley says they also haven’t seen a significant increase in calls so far this season.

Of course, freezing temperatures can cause breaks, but according to Easley, the age of the pipe and what it’s made of can also be a factor.

He says what exactly causes a water main break is determined on a case-by-case basis.

“It really is on our crews to make sure they get out there if there is a water main break reported,” Easley said. “And make sure that they are figuring out what the issue is and then isolating that and making the repair.”

People who come across a water main break in Indianapolis should report it to Citizens Energy at (317) 924-3311. If crews are already working on the scene, the company asks drivers to follow the traffic patterns they’ve set up.

Easley adds that even if a crew is not actively digging, that doesn’t mean they’re not working on the break. Teams need to make sure other underground utilities are not impacted by the break or the repairs.

“Our crews are out, day in and day out, making sure that water main breaks are addressed,” Easley said. “We also have a contracted team that we can pull in as well to make sure that we’re addressing problems where they occur.”

While there isn’t much a homeowner can do to help prevent a water main break in their neighborhood, Easley recommended that they keep a small trickle of water running in their faucets to help protect their homes.