Taking a few minutes and spending a few bucks to winterize pipes could save you hundreds of dollars.

SAN ANTONIO – An unprecedented and historical winter storm that swept across South Texas just weeks ago still has some families scrambling to get their pipes fixed and their homes repaired. The repairs have proven to be costly, and some are taking longer than expected due to the shortage of plumbers in the area. That’s why one group of plumbers traveled from California to San Antonio to assist residents on the West Side, free of charge. RELATED: California contractors, plumbers come to SA to help West Side residents with winter storm repairsOne of these master plumbers is a San Diego coffee shop owner, David Chaddick. AdChaddick, along with a team of experts, loaded their U-Haul and made their way down I-10, straight to San Antonio, to assist in the winter storm relief efforts on the West Side.

SAN ANTONIO – Residents on the city’s West Side are receiving a helping hand from a group of contractors and plumbers from California following the winter storm. The contractors and plumbers, who are part of the San Diego area group Kingdom Builders, are providing their services free of charge to area residents affected by the Texas winter storm, according to a release received on Saturday. The group is working with the state of Texas to secure an interim license for the group and will be present in San Antonio from Feb. 26 through March 1 to help residents to address their plumbing needs and repairs. The effort was coordinated by Diana Sanchez, ex-CEO for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Leonard Rodriguez, ex-CEO/Director Westside Development Corporation, both of whom are community leaders. RELATED: San Antonio-area landscaper offers advice for stressed, damaged plants and grass after winter storm

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County has announced a $5 million plumbing assistance program for area residents to help cover property damages following the winter storm. The program helps both residents in unincorporated areas and suburban cities, regardless of who their water supplier is, officials said in a statement. Residents on private water wells are also eligible for financial assistance. Eligible residents may receive up to $1,500 for plumbing repairs—including broken pipes. Homeowner must not have received financial assistance from other sources for repairs (such as insurance, FEMA assistance, or other benefits)If you have any questions or need assistance, you can call 210-631-5000.

SAN ANTONIO – Water issues continue to frustrate residents who live in apartment complexes that sustained damage to their pipes and water system during last week’s winter storms. She says her water service lacks pressure, and the restrooms don’t work correctly. Garza captured video of furniture and personal materials dumped out because of the water damage leaks caused in the apartment buildings. Residents who have problems reaching the management at their apartment complex should contact the Neighborhood Housing Services Department 210-207-6459. The City of Schertz, where the Rim Stonecrest apartments are located, says it has been in touch with the complex management about the water issues.

SAN ANTONIO – James Hurtado says even with the foam insulation protecting his pipes, there were problems with his home that’s on elevated beams after wintry weather hit Texas. He says the hardware store was buzzing with do-it-yourselfers who had to fix their own problems when it was difficult for professionals to travel during the wintry weather. That’s how it kind of was in the plumbing department.”Master plumber Brad Harrell, with Harrell Commercial Plumbing, says you’ll be lucky if you find the parts you need right now. The master plumber says even people who took precautions found themselves with frozen pipes. AdSAWS to open bulk water distribution sites FridayHarrell said if you find yourself with a leak now, shut off your main water meter.