With more and more states enacting an emergency ‘stay at home’ order in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic you and your family are going to be spending the vast majority of your time at home. That being said, it should come as no surprise that your home’s plumbing system will be under more pressure than it normally would. Below we are going to talk about some practical ways you can keep your plumbing system in optimal condition, as well as keep your bathroom clean and sanitary.
Avoid Flushing Wipes Down the Toilet
One of the most common items that was systematically cleared off of store shelves by panicked consumers as the Coronavirus outbreak began to get worse was toilet paper. As a result, more and more families have had to resort to using wipes, paper towels, napkins, and other paper products as a replacement for toilet paper. Unsurprisingly, there has been a huge rise in the number of plumbing backups because those alternative products are not breaking down in the same way that toilet paper does. The last thing you will likely want to deal with as the entire family is at home is a plumbing backup that results in an overflowing toilet or indoor flooding.
Reduce Water Usage
With more family members taking showers and using the plumbing on a constant basis you will likely see a rise in your water bill. In this uncertain time, a rise in utility costs may be more than you can cope with. To reduce water usage a great place to start is the shower. You can not only restrict the amount of time family members can spend in the shower, but you can also install low-flow showerheads that conserve water.
Have Your Sewer Line Cleared
Whether your home is connected to the municipal sewer system, or a septic tank the plumbing will need to be snaked every few years to avoid costly backups. Even if you are stringent on what is allowed to be flushed down the toilet, there are still tree roots that can work their way into the underground plumbing over time. A snake of the entire plumbing system will ensure it continues working to it’s fullest capacity while your family is practicing social distancing at home.
Sanitize Your Bathroom
Your bathroom should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the buildup of things like soap scum and mold, but during the Coronavirus outbreak, you should also be thinking about the sanitation of the surfaces both in your bathroom and around the house.
1) Start by washing all surfaces including the doorknob with hot soapy water, then allow those surfaces to air dry.
2) Spray down all surfaces with either a homemade bleach solution or a store-bought disinfectant.
3) Add one cup of bleach to the toilet while the water level is lowest. Scrub with a toilet brush then allow the bleach to sit for 10 - 20 minutes.
4) Finish by mopping the floors with a diluted bleach solution or a disinfectant floor cleaner.
We hope these tips will help you to take care of your home’s plumbing system while the whole family is at home. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team!