Philadelphia, February 18, 2026
Philadelphia is grappling with significant water infrastructure issues, notably a surge in frozen pipes and water main breaks. Residents, particularly in Roxborough, are experiencing prolonged water outages, prompting warnings from the Philadelphia Water Department about homeowners’ responsibilities for maintaining water lines. With ongoing repairs and potential disruptions to traffic and services expected to continue, homeowners are urged to take preventive measures to avoid costly damages due to freezing temperatures.
Philadelphia: Recent Water Infrastructure Challenges and Homeowner Warnings
Philadelphia is currently navigating significant water infrastructure challenges and homeowner concerns following a recent surge in frozen pipes and water main breaks across the city. Residents are experiencing disruptions, from prolonged periods without running water to extensive street closures, prompting renewed warnings for homeowners regarding pipe maintenance and responsibility.
Roxborough Family Faces Weeks Without Water Amid Freezing Temperatures
A family in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia recently endured 15 days without running water, beginning on February 2nd, due to a frozen pipe located underground outside their home. The family reportedly spent over $10,000 to replace the pipe connecting their home to the curb and incurred additional expenses staying in a hotel for six days. Other homeowners in both the Roxborough and Manayunk sections of the city have reported similar issues with frozen pipes in their areas.
This incident highlights a critical aspect of homeownership in Philadelphia: the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) clarifies that a customer’s responsibility for water pipes extends beyond their property line, reaching up to the water main itself.
Multiple Water Main Breaks Cause Significant Disruption
The city has also contended with several major water main breaks in recent days. On Saturday, February 15, 2026, an 8-inch water main break occurred on the 1600 block of Callowhill Street, leading to considerable flooding in a parking garage. Water levels reached several inches high, stranding numerous vehicles. The PWD successfully shut down the main in the early hours of Sunday, February 16, 2026, with repairs scheduled to follow, although the timeline for completely draining the garage and restoring vehicle access remained uncertain.
Separately, two underground water main breaks near 34th Street on Spruce Street caused the closure of four blocks, between 34th and 38th streets, starting around February 14, 2026. This closure has significantly impacted traffic in the vicinity of key medical facilities, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, and the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs. PWD crews repaired an eight-inch water main on February 15 and continued work on February 16 to address a second leak linked to a nearby fire hydrant line. Officials indicate that the road closure could persist for “several weeks.” The breaks also disrupted food services at Houston Market and Market Café on campus.
Homeowner Responsibility and Prevention Tips
With temperatures frequently dipping below freezing, homeowners are reminded of their role in maintaining water lines. The Philadelphia Water Department emphasizes that homeowners are responsible for internal plumbing repairs and the lateral pipes that run from the curb into a home. This responsibility means that issues such as frozen pipes on private property are not handled by the PWD.
Protecting Your Home from Frozen Pipes
To prevent costly damage from frozen pipes, especially when temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, residents are advised to take several precautions:
- Allow tap water to drip continuously, particularly overnight.
- Maintain the area around your water meter at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cover any drafty windows and ensure pipes in unheated areas, like basements, are insulated.
- Disconnect all outdoor garden hoses and shut off the outdoor water supply.
- If you plan to be away from home, set your thermostat at 55 degrees or higher to prevent freezing.
- Regularly check faucets for water flow and pressure, as reduced flow can be an early indicator of freezing.
If pipes do freeze, homeowners should immediately shut off the main water valve. Thaw frozen pipes by gently warming the surrounding air with a hair dryer or space heater, taking care not to apply direct flame. After thawing, slowly turn the water back on and inspect pipes and joints for any cracks or leaks. Street leaks, however, should be reported to the PWD’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 215-685-6300.
Ongoing Efforts and City Response
The city has experienced numerous water main breaks over recent weeks, with prolonged freezing temperatures identified as a significant factor. The contracting and expansion of pipes in and beneath frozen ground increases the likelihood of such incidents. The PWD has deployed additional staff during cold spells to manage the expected increase in emergency repairs.
Key Information for Philadelphia Homeowners Regarding Water Issues
| Issue | Details & Impact | Homeowner Action / Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Pipes | Can lead to prolonged water outages and costly repairs. The Roxborough family was without water for 15 days due to a frozen pipe. | Homeowners are responsible for their internal plumbing and lateral pipes to the water main. Prevent by dripping faucets, insulating pipes, and maintaining indoor temperatures. If frozen, shut off water and thaw gently. |
| Water Main Breaks | Widespread issues across Philadelphia, including flooding (Callowhill Street) and extensive road closures (Spruce Street). Can disrupt traffic and services for weeks. | Report street leaks to the PWD emergency hotline (215-685-6300). PWD handles main breaks, but homeowners should be aware of impacts on their area. |
| Homeowner Water Line Responsibility | Extends from the home’s internal plumbing to the water main in the street. | Understand that repairs to this portion are the homeowner’s financial responsibility. Proactive maintenance is crucial. |
| Cold Weather Prevention | Temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for over 72 hours significantly increase risk of pipe freezing and bursting. | Drip faucets, keep water meter area above 40°F, insulate pipes in unheated areas, disconnect hoses, and set thermostats at 55°F when away. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
