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WATER SERVICES AND WINTER WEATHER
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We want to advise our customers that
when winter approaches, they should take the time to prepare for cold
weather to prevent water lines and water meters from freezing. Frozen
meters will break and frozen pipes will stop the flow of water and may
burst causing flooding later on. The most important preventative measure
is to check basements and crawl spaces where water lines are located. Look
for cold drafts or unheated areas that cause water lines and meters to
freeze. Eliminate the drafts and make sure those areas are heated to
prevent this inconvenience.
In situations where the underground water line from the street to a
building lies close to the surface, freezing can take place during periods
of little or no water consumption. This can happen only after a prolonged
period of extreme cold when the ground freezes to the depth of the service
line. The City of Jackson Water Department has the equipment to thaw out a
frozen underground water line and will provide this service free of charge
to our customers once each winter during regular business hours. Any
additional thawing will cost the customers $75 during regular business
hours or time and material charges after hours. This thawing service is
only for the water line from the street to the house; any frozen plumbing
inside the house is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Once again, we want to remind our customers to keep the areas heated where
water meters are located because they are responsible for meter
replacement cost if damaged by freezing. Do not leave water running to
prevent freezing unless directed to do so by the Jackson Water Department.
If our customers have trouble with their water service they are asked to
call 788-4090.
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FROZEN SERVICE POLICY
The Water Department is able to thaw underground water service lines only;
we do not thaw any interior plumbing. One free thawing of underground
water service line per season, with additional thawing at $75 each during
normal business hours (8 AM to 5 PM), regardless of whether water is
reported to be left running or not. The Water Department will determine
when the free service starts and stops - according to frost depth in the
ground.
Water Department personnel will record the meter reading before turning
customer's water on to help avoid freezing and again when the water is
turned off in the spring. No allowance will be made unless this procedure
has been followed. The customer will receive an average bill during this
period.
Water Department personnel will perform this service for customers who are
on the Water Department list of addresses with a history of frozen
services.
For any services thawed outside of regular working hours, at the
customer's convenience, time and material charges will apply.
FIRST THAWING SERVICE CALLS: There will be no charge for one
thawing service when the service call will be done during regular working
hours (8AM - 5PM, Mon-Fri).
SECOND/ADDITIONAL THAWING SERVICE CALLS: Second or additional
service calls will result in a $75 charge per thawing when the service
call will be done during regular working hours (8AM - 5PM, Mon-Fri) or at
the Water Department's convenience
THAWING SERVICES AFTER REGULAR WORKING HOURS: When a customer
requests our department to thaw out a frozen water service after regular
working hours, on holidays or "free service days" that customer will be
charged time and material for that service.
Special note: Whenever the time and material charges are applied
the normal $60 overtime charge will be replaced by those time and material
charges. At no time will both charges apply to one service call regarding
a frozen water service.
Reissued: 12/00
515 Water Street 517-788-4090
Director of Water Service and Facilities:
Glenn Chinavare |
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