Water Main Rupture Puts Florida Community At Risk Of Flooding

When a water main rupture occurred near the Sawgrass Water Treatment Plant in Sunrise, Florida, crews found that the failure of a 30-inch mechanical joint restraint was causing an assembly of pipe, bends, and couplings to cling together. The rapidly growing problem was compounded by mechanical issues with the control valve, which prevented crews from shutting down the line. With the line remaining under constant pressure and its thrust restraint failing, the assembly faced the risk of a catastrophic failure, especially during a historic hurricane season.

To seal the leak without interrupting water service, the utility quickly determined it needed a fitting specifically engineered for a “live line repair”. Sunrise Utilities Department chose Smith-Blair to design and fabricate the custom solution. Beyond the complex design, the fitting required a distinctive blue Flexi-Coat system—a series of specialized fusion bonded powder coatings—to ensure corrosion resistance in the aggressive native soil conditions. Engineers quickly took measurements and developed shop drawings. Ultimately, the team assisted with the installation and field testing, completing permanent repairs in less than 10 hours with no interruption of water service for residents.

Discover how quick response and custom engineered fittings enabled a critical live line repair under immense pressure.