COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of life for most Americans. Even your favorite plumbers face changes in the way we do business and the types of services in high demand. But it is essential to understand that if you are experiencing plumbing issues in your home, we are still here to assist you in any way that we can. And we will be following special guidelines and taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
Standard Precautions
Much like the rest of the world, your local plumbers follow many guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Our team is wearing personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves when entering your home. Also, we are disinfecting tools after each use to avoid any contamination of your home. And while in your home, we do our best to maintain appropriate social distancing and minimal physical contact with anyone in your home. We still greatly appreciate your business and your loyalty to our company; however, we are no longer shaking hands as an added precaution.
Also, please know that each of our employees must monitor their health with daily temperature checks. And anyone who is feeling sick or might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is being asked to remain at home until they are cleared by a medical professional. Extra attention is also being focused on proper handwashing and personal hygiene. We know that these steps can result in some scheduling challenges from time to time. But the added care and time is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Our primary concern is for your health and safety as well as that of our staff.
The New Plumbing Issues Thanks To COVID-19
While clogged drains are not a new occurrence, they are certainly more prevalent thanks to COVID-19. As much of the country struggled with a toilet paper shortage due to hoarding and issues in the supply chain, drain clogs began rapidly increasing. In most cases, these clogs were due to improper items used as a toilet paper substitute. Using a paper towel or napkin might get the job done, but it is not suitable to flush those items. Only toilet paper is designed to break down quickly enough to avoid nasty clogs in your drain and sewer pipes. So if you can’t use toilet paper, be sure not to flush the other paper product.
Will It Flush VS. Should It Flush
Many consumers were pleased to discover that their store or local market did have flushable wipes in stock. And they began buying these products at record rates. Unfortunately, not all flushable wipes are created equal. There are many items on the market that say flushable on the label. But the fact that they will disappear down the drain does not mean that they will not create an issue once they reach your sewer line. Many of the so-called flushable moist wipes are not designed to break down quickly. And the result is a clump of nasty paper stuck in your home’s sewer line or the city sewer main.
The only wipes that should be flushed are the ones labeled as biodegradable. These will break down more quickly and completely than other brands. It is also important to remember that using these items sparingly is the best approach. The rule to follow is one wipe for one flush. If you need to use more than one wipe, flush each one individually to eliminate the potential for a massive clog in your sewer line.
What Does The Future Hold?
No one knows for sure when the pandemic will end. What we do know is that plumbing issues resulting from the lack of proper toilet paper could be with us for longer than the pandemic. Small clogs and wads of paper will eventually turn into more massive clogs that will block sewer lines and require professional sewer and drain cleaning. If you are having an issue with your drains or sewer line, call (301) 278-8786. A A Better Plumber pro will arrive quickly to sort out the problem and provide you with cost-effective solutions.
