FAQs About Plumbing and Water During the Pandemic
Although countries around the globe are beginning to lift restrictions as a result of the pandemic, there is even more uncertainty than ever.
13/06/2020
It may seem like ages ago, but the global pandemic that has wreaked havoc for so many of us has only been around – officially – since March 11. That’s when the World Health Organization upgraded COVID-19 from an epidemic, after the number of cases worldwide exceeded 120,000.
Once people began to socially isolate or quarantine themselves in the wake of coronavirus, the guidelines were fairly straightforward: stay at home whenever possible, avoid direct contact with others, wear masks, wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
Now, although countries around the globe are beginning to lift restrictions, there’s even more uncertainty than ever. Can we socialize? Is it safe to travel? What about home repairs? Does dining out present a hazard? What about drinking water in office buildings, schools, restaurants, and other public places?
We can’t speak to whether or not you should keep those airline reservations or attend that summer festival in August. But we can answer some of the most frequently asked questions about water and plumbing related to the novel coronavirus and the transmission of COVID-19.
Q: Is It Safe to Drink Water Outside of My Home?
A: Yes. Water treatment plants in developed countries have processes in place to filter and treat water, in order to make it safe to drink. So if you go back to work, send your kids back to school, or even go shopping when retail establishments open back up, you’ll be fine taking a sip of water from the fountain.
Q: I Heard that Legionnaires’ Disease Might Make a Comeback. Is That True?
A: There is the potential for Legionella, the bacteria that cause Legionnaire’s disease, to spread through the plumbing systems in buildings that were closed during the pandemic. That’s due to several factors, including the fact that disinfectants haven’t been regularly deployed in these systems. However, all businesses or facilities that are reopening should be taking steps to prevent the possibility of bacterial contamination. If you are concerned about your workplace, talk to your supervisor or facilities manager to see how they’re handling things.
Q: My Home Has Plumbing Problems. Is It Safe to Have Plumbers Come to Fix Them?
A: Many people have been experiencing issues with their showers, sinks, tubs, toilets, hot water heaters, and pipes during this time. In most cases, that’s because we’re staying at home 24/7 and therefore taxing our systems more than usual. Unfortunately, clogs and leaks don’t stop just because there’s a pandemic happening.
The good news is that you should be perfectly safe having a plumber in to take a look at your issue. As the Melbourne plumbers at www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/leak-detection-melbourne/ explain, these professionals aren’t cutting any corners when it comes to safety. They’ll practice social distancing and wear personal protective gear like masks or respirators, gloves, and shoe covers. Some plumbing companies are even using Skype or other video services to provide remote consultations and diagnostics.
Q: We Are Out of Toilet Paper! What Do We Do?
A: By now, toilet paper shortages are largely over. However, if you live in a remote region, or if you live in a busy city where TP gets snapped up the moment it hits the shelves, it’s a good idea to know how to cope without it.
Plumbers caution people not to flush tissues, paper napkins, or paper towels. Since they seem similar to toilet paper, they’re the first option lots of folks think of. But they aren’t made to dissolve in water as easily as toilet paper. You can still use these items; just dispose of them in the trash instead of throwing them into the toilet bowl.
Another word to the wise: those so-called “flushable” wipes? Unfortunately, they’re not made to break down in toilets or sewers either. In fact, flushing them can have particularly dangerous and disgusting consequences.