Heat has returned to nearly all of the 1,053 homes and businesses affected by a major gas outage in north Evanston and Wilmette that began Friday morning. Workers also restored phone lines disconnected during attempts to repair the outage.

Evanston Facilities Management Director Max Rubin said all but two affected homes regained heat as of Wednesday afternoon. There are still 17 customers experiencing various difficulties with their stoves, but Rubin said local gas company Nicor is working to fix the problem. Most of the stalled stoves belong to businesses, said Kris Lathan, a Nicor media representative.

While Nicor crews were working to repair gas lines Tuesday, they accidentally cut the phone lines of a number of SBC Communications customers. Rubin said about 155 customers lost service, but phone company crews were able to restore it early Wednesday morning.

The city plans to seek reimbursement from Nicor for services provided during the outage. But Lathan said Nicor’s main concern right now is restoring service to the community.

The gas outage began when a ruptured water main in Wilmette flooded gas lines servicing the area. Wilmette officials still do not know exactly what caused the break. Wilmette Public Works Director Donna Jakubowski said breaks due to temperature changes are common this time of year. The village averages about 52 main breaks a year, about 35 of which usually occur in the winter, she said.

“When it gets cold and stays cold, water main breaks slow down,” she said. “The changes in temperature are keeping us busy this year.”

Jakubowski said the last time water entered a gas main was about 12 years ago.