© 2024 Texas Public Radio
Real. Reliable. Texas Public Radio.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Need A Plumber? Some Bexar County Residents Qualify For Free Plumbing Repairs

Feb 16, 2021; Austin, TX, USA; Phil Risinger turns on water to his home on Feb. 16, 2021, in Austin, Texas.
Ana Ramirez/USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters Co
/
X02835
Phil Risinger turns on water to his home on Feb. 16, 2021 in Austin. Risinger and his husband had a water pipe burst in their garage causing minor flooding. The couple and a friend fixed the pipe.

Bexar County launched a free plumbing repair program on Friday for eligible residents after a winter storm damaged thousands of pipes. Residents of 26 suburban communities and unincorporated areas in the county who earn 80% or below the average median income are eligible. About 500,000 people live in those areas.

Residents within the city limits of San Antonio are not eligible.

Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores spearheaded the program after seeing many constituents during the winter storm who were unable to afford a repair or find a plumber.

“During the chaos of that week, I reached out to the judge (Nelson Wolff) about putting an initiative together to help our communities that were affected by busted pipes,” said Clay-Flores.

“Along with my fellow court members, we authorized $5 million last week for a plumbing assistance program to help in this critical time of need.”

The county will send a plumber to a home to make repairs free of charge. Learn more about the “I Need A Plumber” program at bexar.org/pipes.

Residents without internet access can call 210-631-6000 to apply. The county previously launched a reimbursement program for eligible residents who have already paid for plumbing repairs. Residents can learn more about it at the same web site or call 210-631-5000 to apply.

The mayors of Converse, Leon Valley, and Sandy Oaks were at the news conference to thank county commissioners for the assistance and told reporters many residents were dealing with busted pipes two weeks after the storm.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said the county has distributed more than 40,000 cases of bottled water from its distribution sites. The city and San Antonio Water System closed their mass distribution sites, but will continue bottled water deliveries to homebound seniors and apartment complexes without drinking water until March 6.

TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today.