A Good Time to Find a Trustworthy Plumber | New Orleans, LA

6/9/2020

Photo By Maryna Andriichenko at istock

It now appears that sheltering in place and social distancing may continue well into the future as we all work to contain the global pandemic of COVID-19. At this point in the crisis many homeowners are wondering: after several months of isolation, is it safe to work with a plumber and other residential trades people? As we begin to consider what the “new normal” is going to look like, the answer is a cautious yes.

For many of us, sheltering in place has put added strain on domestic infrastructure. With kids out of school and workplaces becoming remote, people are at home for much longer periods than typical, and your household plumbing is likely to be getting a work out as a result. The increased use of sanitary and hygiene-as related products such as toilet paper alternatives and wipes may also be impacting plumbing systems. Even though many wipes are labelled as “flushable”, plumbing is not really designed to accommodate a barrage of this type of material.

This makes it more important than ever to properly maintain the systems that support domestic living. And that most definitely includes plumbing.

It’s also worth noting that plumbing does not take pandemics into consideration when it’s preparing to mess up your life. All the things that can go wrong with household pipes and fixtures can still go wrong, stay home orders or no. And for certain plumbing emergencies, you will definitely need to call in a professional, regardless of government orders and global catastrophes. In the New Orleans, LA area, that professional should be bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of New Orleans.

Why Calling In a Professional Plumber Is Always a Good Idea

Many household tasks have always been and increasingly are appropriate for the DIY approach from homeowners. But plumbing has never really been one of them, and it still isn’t at this extraordinary moment in time. Here are some of the main reasons why:

1. Experience and knowledge shows. A skilled plumber is trained to understand how the entire plumbing system works, and knows how to run diagnostic tests, troubleshoot and precisely pinpoint the source of the problem. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain supports a team of experienced, certified plumbers who’ll stay cool in a crisis, and fix the problem right the first time. DIY is simply no match for seasoned knowledge.
2. A professional always has the right tools for the job and the skill to use them effectively. Whether it’s a plumber’s snake, specialty wrenches or video diagnostic equipment, the professional plumbing tool kit is designed specifically for pipes, fixtures and plumbing equipment. The more experience a plumbing professional has, the better he or she is equipped to tackle plumbing issues effectively.
3. Issues of safety and hygiene are more important than ever. At the best of times plumbing can be hazardous. The gases that circulate in sewer pipes, toxic standing water, combustibles that fuel pumps and compressors – all of these things have the potential to harm you and your family. A professional knows the dangers of the domestic landscape and will work to rigorous safety standards to keep everyone in the home safe.
4. Working with a pro will save money in the long run. Some DIY “fixes” result in further damage and the increased costs that result when a pro needs to be called in to set things right. Save yourself some money by letting a plumber handle the job as soon as the problem is identified. In the long run, it’s the smart and economical thing to do.
5. In an emergency, a professional plumbing service provider will have your back. Not just with 24/7 service but with certifications and guarantees. And if an insurance claim is involved, having a pro do the work will make all the difference. In an emergency, don’t mess around with unlicensed contractors or DIY solutions – contact a professional fast.

Safety Tips for Service Calls

Doing business will require new safety protocols post-pandemic. Any reputable business springing back into action will have them, including trades such as plumbing, so don’t be afraid to ask before a service call. Here are a few things to consider:

• In many jurisdictions, plumbing and other home repair specialists are exempt from stay at home restrictions. Make sure you understand local guidelines and if extensive work can be put off, consider delaying service calls as long as possible. At the same time, don’t live with a potentially disastrous situation out of fear. Use good judgement to make the call on whether to invite a professional repair person into your home.

 

• Don’t hesitate to ask the service provider about the precautions being taken, and quiz the individual technician making the call as well. Are they healthy? What is the company doing to ensure everyone stays safe?

 

• Prepare for the logistics of someone coming into the household from outside. Remind everyone in the household that they must retain 6 feet of distance from the plumbing technician at all times. Encourage family members to not watch the work, but to stay in another part of the home when a plumber is making a call. Open doors and generally clear a path so the professional touches as few surfaces as possible.

 

• Some plumbers will install temporary dust barriers of plastic around their work area. But you will still need to clean and disinfect the area once they leave.

 

• Provide access to soap and water for proper hand washing. Your plumber will appreciate the gesture.

If your household is experiencing issues with plumbing, don’t hesitate to give the experts at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of New Orleans, LA a call., even as some government restrictions remain in place. From emergencies such as flooding and sewer backups to less urgent scenarios such as low water pressure and advice about new plumbing systems, professional plumbing service providers can get your home’s water and waste infrastructure flowing smoothly again, safely and quickly. Even when life seems far from normal.