The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lot of things up in the air. Events have been cancelled, many people have lost their jobs or been forced to work from home, students have shifted to online learning, and there’s no clear end in sight. In this time of uncertainty, even the smallest issue can become a big problem—and fast.
Unfortunately, with so many people at home for so much of the time, the pandemic has put extra stress on household plumbing systems. This results in an increased potential for plumbing issues. This article explores whether it’s a good idea to seek Fairfax plumbing service or wherever you are in the world while maintaining social distancing.
Is It Safe To Call A Plumber During The Pandemic?
Chances are unless you’re an avid DIYer, you don’t pay much attention to your plumbing except in times of emergency. Unfortunately, that means that when disaster strikes, you’re often left with no option but to call a plumber. Fortunately, plumbing is considered an essential service by the CDC, meaning that plumbers will remain open and at your disposal even in the event of a wide scale lockdown.
COVID-19 can spread via dirty surfaces and fecal matter, not to mention all of the other nasty diseases that can spread the same way! As a result, addressing plumbing issues can be just important to your health as maintaining proper social distancing. That being said, you may be wondering if it’s safe to invite a plumber into your home in the midst of a pandemic. The short answer is yes, but with some precautions in place. There are plenty of things that your plumber is required to do (and that you, yourself, should also do) to reduce the risk of transmission from the plumber to your family or vice-versa.
What Do Plumbers Do To Keep Your Family Safe?
Plumbers come into contact with many pathogens during their day-to-day routine, and, so, they’re usually used to taking proper health and sanitation precautions. In fact, adherence to coronavirus control measures should be one of the criteria for choosing a plumbing company during this pandemic.
Here are some of the most common practices plumbers will engage in to protect your home and your family from the risk of transmission:
- Many plumbing companies will regularly screen their plumbers for symptoms of COVID-19, either via regular testing or temperature tests.
- Plumbers are required to wear protective gear, including masks, gloves, and, sometimes, even goggles, while on the job.
- Plumbers will wash their hands and disinfect when they enter your home, as well as frequently while working on your plumbing.
- Plumbers will also frequently disinfect any other surfaces that you or your family members may come in contact with, such as clipboards and tablets, as well as the space in which they’re working.
What Can You Do To Protect Your Plumbing And Your Plumber?
While reputable plumbers will take plenty of precautions to keep you and your family safe, it’s important for you to take steps as well to protect your plumbing and, in case of emergency, protect your plumber from infection.
To keep your plumbing in tiptop shape, even with the added strain of increased use, experts recommend taking the following preventative measures, like the following:
- Check your plumbing every day to make sure no small leaks escape your notice. This will help you familiarize yourself with how your plumbing works, as well as address or prevent any minor issues yourself.
- Avoid putting too much strain on your pipes by staggering showers and other uses of your plumbing.
- Try not to flush anything down the drain except toilet paper, as that can lead to otherwise preventable blockages.
If a plumber does have to come to address a certain plumbing emergency, make sure to take the following precautions to keep them safe:
- Familiarize yourself with the different ways that COVID-19 is transmitted.
- Take proper care to disinfect any surfaces that the plumber comes in contact with, before and after their visit.
- Make sure to wear a mask when in the same room as your plumber
- Try to maintain social distancing and give your plumber plenty of space to work.
- Provide a space for your plumber to wash their hands or disinfect before beginning their work and after finishing.
Conclusion
In times of crises, it can be difficult to tell what’s important and what’s best left for tomorrow. Plumbing issues are one thing that should be addressed immediately. Fortunately, with a few precautions taken by both you and your plumber, you can keep your plumbing system working smoothly, while also keeping both your family and your plumber safe.