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COVID-19 and the resulting quarantines mean families are staying home much more often. While a global pandemic has obvious downsides, one that might not be immediately apparent is the effect it has on your plumbing. Below is a guide to how your home’s pipes could be affected and what you can do about it.

A Guide to COVID-19 & Your Plumbing System

How Being Home More Often Negatively Affects Your Plumbing

Staying home most days means you’re using water-based appliances, such as toilets, more frequently than you used to. Because of increased usage, components may wear down faster. Small problems, like a slight leak or slow-flushing toilet, will also be exacerbated by heavy use.

Due to the pandemic and the resulting toilet paper shortage, you may have found yourself flushing items you shouldn’t, such as paper towels, napkins, and baby wipes. Even flushable wipes can be detrimental to your plumbing system since they take longer to break down. This could result in clogged pipes that require sewer line cleaning. You may also be cooking at home more often, increasing the amount of food and residue in your drains.

How to Stay Proactive

plumbingWaiting to take action until a problem develops, or is so bad that you need an emergency plumber, will not only cause damage to your system, but you’ll likely end up with costly bills. Being proactive about the health of your system will minimize the chance of problems forming.

Take care of any noticeable problems before they become catastrophic. If you notice your toilet is clogging often, call a plumber immediately. Having your system serviced could prevent a pipe from bursting or clogged drains from backing up into your home.

How to Keep Your System in Good Shape

Only use flush-safe toilet paper, and don’t rinse off heavily grimed plates in the sink where food and grease can clog the pipes. Keep an eye out for signs that your system is getting clogged, such as foul odors, slow flushing, frequent clogs, and slow draining.

If you suspect you have a clog forming, try using a snake or auger to manually break it up and remove it. Stay away from corrosive drain cleaning chemicals that can deteriorate your pipes. If you notice a leak in your home or inexplicable patches of foul-smelling water in your yard, call a plumber right away.

 

If your plumbing is showing signs of a problem, contact The Plumbing Source in Cleveland, OH. They have over 34 years in business and are eager to help remedy any issues. From sewer line cleaning to septic repairs to excavation services, their comprehensive work is backed by warranties on labor and parts. They also offer upfront, flat-rate pricing, and 24-hour emergency service. Learn more about their services online, and call (877) 768-7239 for a quote.

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