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October 08, 2021 Boil Water Notice Rescinded

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

10/08/2021

On October 06, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions that occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of October 08, 2021.

GENERAL AREA AFFECTED: 100 blocks of; Evans St., Hammack Ave., Lee St., and Woodhaven St.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691

October 06, 2021 Water Boil Notice

Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems

 <10/06/2021>

Due to WATER MAIN REPAIR AND LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF KENEDY, PWS 1280002 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure the destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescind the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice. Or you may check the City of Kenedy website or Facebook for updates.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

THE GENERAL AREA(s) AFFECTED: 100 blocks of; Evans St., Hammack Ave., Lee St., and Woodhaven St.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (303 W. Main, (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

The public water system customers and the executive director shall be able to reach the public water system at one of the numbers listed in this notice. If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

October 06, 2021 Boil Water Notice Rescinded

 

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

10/06/2021

On October 04, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of October 06, 2021.

AREA: City of Kenedy Pressure Plain C / Which is everything except Murphy’s on 181 to the Hospital and County rd. 345 

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691

October 5, 2021 Water Outage Notice

The City of Kenedy is committed to delivering safe, potable water to our customers. At times, we must make improvements to our water distribution system. There is a possibility, at this time, that the construction could potentially affect the pressure in your area of the water distribution system. We will start working on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 to being repairing a water main.  For our crews to work on our water system safely and to complete the repairs in a timely manner, it may be necessary to interrupt your water service for approximately 7 hours or until we complete the project.  We regret the temporary inconvenience this may cause.

We are providing notice so that you may make any necessary provisions to minimize the discomfort associated with the temporary loss of water or pressure.  Please be advised when the water and pressure is restored, you will be under a BOIL WATER NOTICE.  We will rescind the BOIL WATER NOTICE after we receive the sample results, usually within 24 hours.

The general area(s) affected by this non-planned outage will include:

100 blocks of; Evans St., Hammack Ave, Lee St., Louise St., and Woodhaven St.

This work will be rescheduled in the event of any unforeseen issues that may come up. In the event the City of Kenedy must reschedule, our work will be performed on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 for the same time period.

Again, thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. You may contact us at the Public Works Department at (830) 583-3217 or at City Hall (830) 583-2230 if you have any questions or concerns.

August 25, 2021 Boil Water Notice Rescinded

On August 19, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 25th, 2021.

AREA: 100 block of Woodhaven

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830) 583-2230 or (830) 583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691

August 26, 2021 Manhole Replacement

The City of Kenedy will be replacing 6 manholes and repairing sewer lines in the Robinhood and Nottingham area, construction is underway and will continue over the next couple of weeks.

 

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at 303 W. Main, (830)583-2230 or (830) 583-3217

August 19, 2021 Boil Water Notice

Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems

08/19/2021

Due to WATER MAIN REPAIR AND LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF KENEDY, PWS 1280002 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

AREA AFFECTED: 100 block of Woodhaven

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at 303 W. Main, (830)583-2230 or (830) 583-3217.

The public water system customers and the executive director shall be able to reach the public water system at one of the numbers listed in this notice. If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

August 12, 2021 Utility Billing Department Computers Temporarily Down

Utility Billing computer systems will be down temporarily on August 12, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 12 noon for maintenance. Please be advised Utility Billing Clerks will not be able to access your account or accept payments. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding with this matter.

Respectfully,

Ruby Beaven
City Secretary

August 06, 2021 Boil Water Notice Rescinded

On August 02, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 06th, 2021.

AREA: Bluebonnet Drive

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830) 583-2230 or (830) 583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691

August 02, 2021 Water Outage Notice

Dear Valued Customer:

The City of Kenedy is committed to delivering safe, potable water to our customers. At times we, must make improvements to our water distribution system, this is one of those times that the construction could possibility effect the pressure in your area of the water distribution system. We will start working on Monday August 02, 2021, we will be repairing a water main, for our crews to work on our water system safely and complete it in a timely manner, it may be necessary to interrupt your water service for approximately 6 hours or until we complete the project, we regret the temporary inconvenience. We are providing you and your neighbors with this notice so that you may make any necessary provisions to minimize the discomfort associated with the temporary loss of water or pressure.

When the water and pressure is restored, you will be under a BOIL WATER NOTICE

We will rescind the BOIL WATER NOTICE after we receive sample results, usually within 24 hours.

The area affected by this non-planned outage will include:

Bluebonnet Drive

This work will be rescheduled in the event of any unforeseen issues that may come up. In the event that The City of Kenedy must reschedule, our work will be performed on Tuesday August 3, 2021 for the same time period. Again, thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. You may contact us at the Public Works Department at (830) 583-3217 or at City Hall (830) 583-2230 if you have any questions or concerns.

The City of Kenedy

Public Works Director

Jerry Higgins

August 04, 2021 Boil Water Notice Rescinded

Boil Water Notice Rescinded 08/04/2021

On July 30, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 4th, 2021.

AREA: 400 block of Graham, Goliad & 1300 block of Mesquite

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

July 30, 2021 Boil Water Notice

07/30/2021 Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems

Due to WATER MAIN REPAIR AND LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF KENEDY, PWS 1280002 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

AREA AFFECTED: 400 BLOCK GRAHAM & 400 HACKBERRY

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (303 W. Main, (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

The public water system customers and the executive director shall be able to reach the public water system at one of the numbers listed in this notice. If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

July 29, 2021 Water Outage Notice

Dear Valued Customer:

The City of Kenedy is committed to delivering safe, potable water to our customers. At times we, must make improvements to our water distribution system, this is one of those times that the construction could possibility effect the pressure in your area of the water distribution system. We will start working on Friday July 30, 2021, Starting at 9:00 Am. We will be replacing water main and installing valves, for our crews to work on our water system safely and complete it in a timely manner, it may be necessary to interrupt your water service for approximately 6 hours or until we complete the project, we regret the temporary inconvenience. We are providing you and your neighbors with this notice so that you may make any necessary provisions to minimize the discomfort associated with the temporary loss of water or pressure.

When the water and pressure is restored, you will be under a BOIL WATER NOTICE

We will rescind the BOIL WATER NOTICE after we receive sample results, usually within 24 hours.

The area affected by this planned outage will include:

400 Block of Graham Rd & 400 Block of Hackberry St.

This work will be rescheduled in the event of any unforeseen issues that may come up. In the event that The City of Kenedy must reschedule, our work will be performed on Monday August 2, 2021 for the same time period. Again, thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. You may contact us at the Public Works Department at (830) 583-3217 or at City Hall (830) 583-2230 if you have any questions or concerns.

The City of Kenedy

Public Works Director

Jerry Higgins

July 24, 2021 Boil Water Notice Rescinded

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

On July 22, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of July 24, 2021.

AREA: 1000 & 1200 Block of St. Mary’s, Goliad

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830) 583-2230 or (830) 583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

Artwork painting of Texas bluebonnets

Happy 100th Birthday, Kenedy Chamber of Commerce!

The Kenedy Chamber of Commerce is a respected organization that has been helping local businesses prosper since 1921; and provides marketing, education, resources, and advocacy to local businesses; and is influential in promoting businesses, agriculture, and tourism.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce. The City of Kenedy expresses its appreciation to the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce for providing 100 years of dedicated service to the Kenedy business community.

Disinformation re GLO Hazardous Mitigation Grant

My Fellow Kenedians and City of Kenedy Stakeholders:

I trust that God has blessed each of you in some way today.

It has been brought to my attention that there is some disinformation circulating on social media regarding the City of Kenedy and an alleged agreement with an organization referred to as SAWS regarding the recent GLO Hazardous Mitigation Grant the City has received.

The City of Kenedy is not and never has been in contact with SAWS during my tenure as City Manager and certainly no agreement has been discussed or entered into between the City and SAWS.  It is important to understand that the Grant we have been blessed with was bestowed to us by the Texas General Land Office and only the Texas General Land Office.  Many individuals worked on this project and expended their valuable time position Kenedy in the best possible position to be awarded the grant—which we were.

Again, the information regarding the City of Kenedy and SAWS circulating is FALSE and ABSOLUTELY BASELESS. 

Should any resident or stakeholder have any concerns or questions, please reach out to me at 830.583.2230 M-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wishing each of you a very blessed day!!

Respectfully,
City Manager Linn

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) would like to notify you of the Emergency Broadband Benefit, an FCC Program that helps families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new opportunity will connect eligible households to remote jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and much more.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. They can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from selected providers only if they are able to contribute more than $10 and less than $50 to the purchase price.

Please note, the Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to only one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.   

Program Eligibility

A household gains eligibility if one member of the household fills one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline
  • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

    To apply, you can:

  1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
  2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
  3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to

Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O Box 7081
London, KY 40742

Once a household obtains eligibility, they can contact their service provider of preference to select an Emergency Broadband Benefit plan.

For more information, please refer to the Emergency Broadband Benefit FAQ.

You can also find Congressman Gonzalez’s press release here.

Should you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the district office in McAllen at 1305 W Hackberry Ave. McAllen, TX 78501 or by phone at (956) 682-5545.

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

On MAY 6th, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required The City of Kenedy public water system, TX1280002, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of MAY 08th, 2021.

AREA: 1400 blk of ELM, 1300 blk of MESQUITE, 300-400 blk of HACKBERRY, 300-400 blk of COTTONWOOD, 100-400 blk of Graham RD. & Pine Street

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (830) 583-2230 or (830) 583-3217.

If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

(RESCINDED MAY 8) Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems

MAY 8 UPDATE: THE BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN RESCINDED.

 

Due to WATER MAIN REPAIR AND LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF KENEDY, PWS 1280002 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

AREA AFFECTED: 1400 BLK OF ELM, 1300 BLK OF MESQUITE, 300-400 BLK OF HACKBERRY, 300-400 BLK OF COTTONWOOD, AND 100-400 BLK OF GRAHAM RD

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (303 W. Main, (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

The public water system customers and the executive director shall be able to reach the public water system at one of the numbers listed in this notice. If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant

In response to the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Kenedy 4B Economic Development Corporation, with the support of the City of Kenedy City Council, has developed a Small Business Assistance Grant Program. This program will provide up to $6,500 to eligible small businesses that generate sales tax within Kenedy that have been signficantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Download Instructions & Application

COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant

(RESCINDED April 15) Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems

APRIL 15 UPDATE: THE BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN RESCINDED.

 

Due to WATER MAIN REPAIR AND LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the CITY OF KENEDY, PWS 1280002 public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

AREA AFFECTED: 500-700 DEWITT, 700-1100 MAYTAG, 800-900 graham rd., 100 BLK. OF LATIN AVE, 100 BLK OF ZENNETH ST., 100 BLK OF CROSELY ST. AND 300-800 KARNES ST.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Jerry Higgins at (303 W. Main, (830)583-2230 or (830)583-3217.

The public water system customers and the executive director shall be able to reach the public water system at one of the numbers listed in this notice. If a customer, individual, or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512) 239-4691.

Credit Card Payments Only

In light of the recent confirmed case of COVID-19 in Karnes County and the concern of residents and staff, we are temporarily suspending in person payments of utility bills at City Hall.

Residents are being encouraged to pay their bills via the outside drop box (cash and check), online (credit card/debit card), or via telephone (credit card/debit card).

This measure will begin effectively and will last through the end of business on April 14th, at which time we will reevaluate the situation and make any necessary adjustments including extending or suspending these measures.

COVID-19 Precautions

City workers will not open the front door. If you need to speak to someone, please call (830) 583-2230. Payments can be put in the drop box outside or at the front door of our office. Payments can be made over the phone using a debit/credit card. The phone number to call is (830) 583-2230. Late fees will be waived for the month of March due to these restrictions. The last day to pay to avoid disconnection will be April 13, 2020. Disconnects will begin on April 14, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Thank you for your patience with this matter as the City takes all preventative measures to keep employees and residents safe. Below are some websites for more information: https://www.texmed.org/Coronavirus/ https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/ https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/dps-takes-preventative-measures-against-covid-19-encourages-texans-do-same

How to Find a Water Leak in Your House

How to Find a Water Leak in Your House

  In most cases the water line running to your home is “metered” for accountability and billing purposes. One small drip can lead to another and before you know it, gallons of water may have silently leaked from your faucet or toilet without you knowing about it.  Losing just one gallon of water a day due to a small leak equals 365 gallons a year. You can fill a 5-foot-by-3-foot tub with that amount of water. When you pay for your water, that leak can become very costly.

Yet, even a very small leak can be found through trying a few simple techniques and can save you from a nasty surprise from your local utility company. If you have been notified that you have a leak, here are a few steps you can do before calling a plumber. The more you do, the less it will cost you in the long run!

Turn off all faucets in the house including bathtubs, laundry sinks and outdoor faucets. Make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are not running. Turn off all other appliances that use water.

Listen to see if you can hear your water pump running for no reason if you don’t have a water meter you can check. Listen to see if the pump is humming even if you haven’t turned on a faucet, flushed the toilet or used the washing machine or dishwasher. If the pump runs for no reason, it could indicate you have a leak somewhere and you should check the house for leaks.

Go through the house and check the spouts of all the faucets for signs of a drip. Rub your finger under the spout to see if you can feel any water, even if the faucet is turned off. Look for puddles of water at the base of all the faucets. Check the shower heads to see if you notice water dripping.

Toilets

Prepare to repair! Check the toilet for leaks by removing the top off the tank and listening very closely. If you hear any hissing at all, try to locate where it is coming from. If you locate the area where the leak is coming from, assess it and determine if you can fix it. If you can’t, then call a plumber.

If nothing is noticeable, add some food coloring and put a couple of drops in the tank (not the bowl). Wait several minutes and if you have coloring in the bowl, water is leaking from the tank into the bowl even when the toilet isn’t being flushed.

Repeat this procedure with all the toilets in the house.  You have a leak in the flapper at the bottom of the tank that is allowing water to seep through.  At this point you can assess if you want to do the repair yourself, or call a plumber.

Meter Line

Check the gauge on the water meter, if you have one, after you’ve turned off all the faucets and appliances that use water, to see if the arrow is rotating on the flow indicator. A moving arrow indicates there is a leak somewhere in your house and you should check for leaks.

If the toilets are fine, check the line running from the meter to the house. While this may sound difficult, you can save money if you can locate the leak for the plumber. If you know you have a shut-off valve by the house, shut it off temporarily and check the meter by removing the lid and watching the dial on top of the meter.

If you can’t see the meter head, try digging around because they sometimes have dirt or grass covering the top of them. Once you locate it and the valve is turned off by the house, watch the meter to see if is turning. If it is still turning, then the leak is between the meter and the house.

At this point, walk the area between the meter and the shut-off valve. Look for signs of a leak such as: soft muddy areas, grass that is greener than the rest or growing much faster than other areas. If you see such an obvious sign, call the plumber or assess if you can make a repair yourself.  If you have the valve shut off at the house and the meter has stopped moving, then the leak is somewhere in the house. Try some other techniques to try to locate the problem.

Hot Water Tanks

Check the Pressure Relief Valve on the hot water tank. Sometimes these valves are plumbed directly into a drain and may be leaking without your knowledge. If you can’t remove the drain pipe to check for a leak listen for a hissing sound, it may be leaking.

Check the valves on the hot water tank for signs of drips. Hissing sounds near the pipes or valves on the tank can also indicate a leak you wouldn’t be able to see.

Hose bibs

Look at all the outside water faucets and see if there is water dripping from the faucet or from the pipe coming out of the exterior wall.  Listen carefully for any sound emitting from the hose-bib. If you hear anything at all, remember where it is (perhaps mark it with chalk), and go to the next one. If the sound emitted gets louder at any of the other hose-bibs, then the leak is closer to that particular unit. Note that and contact your plumber: Giving the plumber this information will save the plumber loads of time in finding the leak, which in turn saves you money.

If you survey all the hose-bibs and still find no sound, go into the house and follow the same process with the screwdriver on your house fittings such as faucets in sinks, shower valves, washer, hot water heater (be careful to avoid being scalded when working around the hot water heater). If you are still not sure, just contact the plumber.

Other Leaks

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and check the connecting water line if your refrigerator has an ice-maker. Look for puddles on the floor or water dripping from the water line.

Pull the washing machine away from the wall and check the water supply line to the washer. Check for puddles under the washer.

Check the shower head for leaks. It should be a fairly straightforward home repair if this is a source of leaking.

If you have a swimming pool, it is important to check to see if it has any leaks.

Near Enough is Helpful

Recognize that in many cases a leak can be very hard to locate. Not all of the leaks can be located and if you’re not used to plumbing positioning, you may miss something easily. All the same, if you try these steps, you should be able to find an approximate location and this is a most valuable exercise in itself because it will (many plumbers do not like searching for a problem so anything you can do they will appreciate), make it a time saver for the plumber and that translates into savings for you.

Resources:  www.wikihow.comwww.ehow.com,

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