As power returns for a lot of folks in Central Texas, individuals are now facing another problem- a water shortage.
On Thursday, Waco Mayor Dillon Meek released a video urging Wacoans to conserve water now.
“While we don’t expect shutting off water throughout the entire city, a community-wide boil water notice is eminent if demand doesn’t change," he said. "Again this demand is be caused by leaks around the city and high usage.”
“The plumbing is a direct result of the freeze, electricity loss. Really all the havoc is going to start once everything thaws out,” said April Ryberg, co-owner of Ryberg Plumbing, LLC.
Ryberg Plumbing is just one of many Central Texas plumbing companies that's been working non-stop to fix water leaks and make sure houses stay livable.
The common theme- busted pipes.
“Usually we can prioritize calls because not everything is an emergency, but right now, everything is an emergency,”said Ryberg.
“He walked in and walked back out with a surprise look on his face and told me I needed to come see something and that’s what I walked into... my ceiling. My kid’s ceiling,” said Ayana Landrum, one of the many Central Texans who have had to deal with a pipe burst.
Landrum came home to find the ceiling collapsed in her kid’s bedroom. Now, her apartment is filled with water and debris.
“Majority of these people still don’t have lights. They still don’t have water," said Landrum. "We cannot just up and go to a family member’s house. We don’t have funds to rent a motel room to get this problem solved.”
If your pipes do burst, the first step is to shut off your water. If you know your pipes are frozen, there are still ways you can help prevent floods or damage within the home.
“Number one, know where your water meter shut off is. Period. Everyone should know that. If you don’t know where your water meter is you can call a local plumber," said Ryberg. "Second, leave your faucets in an on position so you can relieve some pressure in that line.”
Ryberg says as temperatures continue to climb this weekend, people need to be extra vigilant and watch for leaks around the house.
The exterior pipes are the ones to look out for. Ryberg suggests if you have concerns or notice a leak to turn the water off and get on a waiting list as soon as possible.
You can contact Ryberg Plumbing at (254) 366-0441 or look them up on Facebook at Ryberg Plumbing LLC.
