Asheboro looks to upgrade water, sewer lines; City averages more than two leaks or breaks each week

A water main break on North Fayetteville Street in Asheboro draws attention of city workers last month. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record)

ASHEBORO — Recent water main breaks in the city have brought attention to aging pipes that Asheboro officials already have been addressing.

City crews respond to an average of more than two water main leaks or breaks each week, based on data provided by the city as requested by Randolph Record.

“Usually, repairs are made in four to six hours with minimal disruption to our customers,” assistant city manager Trevor Nuttall said. “Often, we are ready to complete the needed work but must wait for all other underground infrastructure to be located and marked before we begin to ensure that we can work safely and not damage other critical systems.”

Based on information from Asheboro’s public works department, there were 115 breaks or leaks in 2024. More than half of those involved 2-inch or smaller lines that had been in service for extended periods of time. These galvanized iron pipes eventually corrode.

“The city still has a significant amount of galvanized pipe in our distribution network,” Nuttall said. “Drastic temperature changes within a short timeframe also can be factors, as constant expansion and contraction of the lines stress the material and can increase the likelihood of a break.”

The most-frequent times for water main breaks is between autumn and spring, so recent leaks fell outside that range.

Other factors reducing longevity of pipes include changes in water pressure, water disinfectant changes and maintenance activities.

Another factor in Asheboro, Nuttall said, is the installation in recent years of broadband communication lines, with construction crews at times causing damage in the process.

There are more than 500 miles of utility lines in the city’s jurisdiction.

Nuttall said the water resources department and public works department attempt to identify water and sewer lines for replacement before a problem arises.

A water line on McMasters Street was recently replaced, with 6-inch ductile iron used where 2-inch galvanized line had been in place. A bonus is that larger lines can serve fire hydrants, Nuttall said.

Part of the preventive action the city is taking is blowing non-toxic smoke into sewer lines to pinpoint faulty connections and fractures. Nuttall said neighborhoods will be notified when smoke testing is planned.

Related to water main breaks and maintenance, Nuttall said an additional four-person team is involved to address emergency calls and to conduct basic maintenance.

There are numerous examples of the main breaks or leaks, some drawing more attention than others.

Last month, Southbound lanes on North Fayetteville Street were closed to traffic because of a water main break. Lanes closure extended from Presnell Street to Salisbury Street on a stretch that’s part of U.S. 220 Business. Two of four lanes were closed.

In May, the city dealt with a water main break on South Fayetteville Street near Walker Avenue. Asheboro Fire Department cautioned drivers to expect significant delays in that area.

Asheboro residents who spot water or sewer main breaks are encouraged to report those. Anyone seeing unexpected puddles or water on the ground or who experience unexplained drops in water pressure is encouraged to call (336) 626-1234.

“Prompt reporting can ensure quick response and reduce service impacts,” Nuttall said.

Asheboro isn’t alone with such issues. In Ramseur, a water line on West Ridge Street needed repair in mid-June.