The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on all our lives. Most people in the Omaha area are working from home and rarely leaving their houses except for necessary errands or essentials jobs. With parents home and kids out of school, there are a lot more opportunities for plumbing problems in the home. We at ASAP Appliance & Plumbing Services know that having strangers come in to work on your plumbing is the last thing you want right now. Although we are still serving clients and taking every precaution to keep our team and your family safe and healthy, we know you would prefer not to call in a plumber during this time. That’s why we’ve developed this list of ways to take care of your plumbing while quarantined at home.
Watch for Clogs
More people means more toilet paper – and other items that shouldn’t be flushed – going down drains. It’s a good idea to have a little pow-wow with the family about using small amounts of toilet paper and not flushing anything else down the toilet. Though some products such as flushable wipes claim to be safe for your plumbing, this isn’t true for every system. Make a rule for your family to ONLY flush small amounts of toilet paper.
The garbage disposal is another common place for clogs to occur. Remind your family that large amounts of food or food items like rice, grease, citrus rinds, potatoes, or pasta should go in the trash instead of the garbage disposal.
Keep Hands and Surfaces Clean
Even though you’re in your own home, you still need to prevent the spread of the virus to the best of your ability. Wipe down surfaces such as countertops, door handles, and light switches several times per day. Encourage your family members to wash their hands after using the bathroom, after being outdoors, or after having any contact with foreign objects from outside the home.
Know What You Can and Can’t Handle on Your Own
Wondering if you can take care of your plumbing problem or if it’s time to call in a pro? Here are some guidelines:
Leaky Faucets
If faucets are leaking, you can often do a quick fix by tightening the area around the handles. If this doesn’t work and the leak is causing problems, it may be time to call in a professional.
Clogs
Many clogs in the toilet, sink, or other drains are the result of debris being stuck in them and can be solved by using a plunger. If plunging doesn’t work, there is likely a problem deeper in the pipes that a pro should take a look at.
A dishwasher That Isn’t Draining
If your dishwasher isn’t draining, try one of these easy fixes: run the garbage disposal, check the bottom of the washer for blockages, clean or change the filter, or unclog the drain basket.
Larger issues like leaking water heaters, broken pipes, or water in the basement are issues best left to the professionals. Keep in mind we will do everything we can to keep you and your family safe during this stressful time. If you have any questions about plumbing or appliance repair, please reach out! We’re here for you.