FOLLOWUP: First water-main break caused second, Seattle Public Utilities says

Thursday’s first Fauntleroy water break, on 46th SW south of Wildwood, caused the second, in the 9200 block of Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle Public Utilities confirmed to WSB tonight. “Over-pressurization of the zone” broke the second line, according to the utility. But SPU still doesn’t know what caused the first break. The utility believes four homes had flooded basements as a result of the water flow – this is one of the photos Catherine sent us last night:

Breaks usually lead to discussion of aging infrastructure, so we also asked SPU how old the broken mains were. The one on 46th, 8 inches wide, dates back to 1950; the Fauntleroy line, 4 inches wide, has been in service since 1930. Both are now repaired.

6 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: First water-main break caused second, Seattle Public Utilities says"

  • Ferns March 4, 2023 (8:55 am)

    Wow a nearly 100 year old 4” water main?  I noticed it said repaired and not replaced. Doesn’t bode well for it not happening again, in a criticsl slope area perhaps. 

  • MrB March 4, 2023 (10:07 am)

    Our 1930’s infrastructure.  Where do all the tax dollars go?  Curious if the city is liable for this water damage?  

    • 1994 March 4, 2023 (1:56 pm)

      Most likely the city will be liable. The city was liable when the poor lady drowned in her basement in Madison area a number of years back due to poor drainage. There was a sizeable monetary settlement for her death. 

    • Question Authority March 4, 2023 (4:11 pm)

      Nobody wants their street dug up or to be inconvenienced by a lenghty detour, let alone what full replacement would cost.  This City and it’s pipes are getting older and it’s simply practical and cost effective to fix just the break, you don’t buy a new car just because it occasionally breaks do you?

  • Tracey March 4, 2023 (2:59 pm)

    I also don’t believe home insurance covers this sort of damage.  Water intruding from outside is always questionable.   It is similar to a flood.  Having just dealt with a water damage claim on my insurance, I am all too familiar.  

  • payup March 4, 2023 (9:19 pm)

    city will pay – may take a while for them to ‘investigate’.   they paid for our 100k plus retaining wall after a water main broke and flooded the hillside….causing a small slide.

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